Congress Accuses BJP of Spreading Communal Hatred in Maharashtra: Demands Nitesh Rane’s Removal over Controversial Remarks

The Maharashtra Congress has launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of spreading religious hatred and distorting history for political gain. Maharashtra Congress President Harshavardhan Sapkal alleged that the BJP is deliberately provoking communal tensions and compared their actions to an attempt to ‘Talibanize’ Maharashtra.

At the center of the controversy is State Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane, who has been making a series of statements on religious matters. Sapkal has demanded his immediate removal from the cabinet and questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis silence on the issue.

Speaking at a press conference, Sapkal stated that Maharashtra has a rich legacy of social harmony and progressive leadership, but the BJP is attempting to polarize the state by spreading false narratives.

"Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built Swarajya with the help of people from all castes and religions. However, BJP leaders are deliberately distorting history and spreading communal poison in the state," he said. Sapkal alleged that Nitesh Rane is being used by the BJP to fuel religious discord, making divisive remarks under the party’s larger political strategy. He particularly criticized Rane’s recent remarks on the meat trade, where the minister suggested restrictions on certain types of meat purchases.

"Who gave this minister the authority to decide what people should eat and from whom they should buy? Whether it is halal or jhatka is for the public to decide, not the government," Sapkal said.

He also accused Rane of continuously inciting communal hatred, which, he warned, could lead to serious law-and-order issues in the state.

The Congress leader also raised a previous incident in Kankavli, where Rane’s supporters allegedly assaulted a Muslim youth, Sheikh Ashraf, and forced him to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram.’ Despite a court order for action against the accused, no steps were taken, Sapkal claimed. "Nitesh Rane is openly attempting to provoke riots. Yet, the Chief Minister, Home Minister, and police department have taken no action. Are they asleep?" he questioned.

In addition, Sapkal also strongly objected to Rane’s recent claim that no Muslims served in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s army, calling it factually incorrect and historically ignorant. "Shivaji Maharaj’s army was inclusive and diverse. Leaders like Rane, who spread misinformation, must be held accountable," Sapkal stated.

The Congress leader then called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to clarify his stance on Rane’s “communal” rhetoric. "If the Chief Minister does not support Rane’s divisive propaganda, he should immediately remove him from the cabinet," Sapkal demanded.


The controversy stems out of a statement made by State Fisheries and Port Development Minister Nitesh Rane, who said, “The workers following Hindutva ideology have come together and brought a good alternative to mutton for the Hindu society for their rights. It has been forced for years that only Halal mutton should be eaten. Either eat Halal, or you have no other alternative. We have brought a good alternative for it. Eating Halal is not written in Hindu religion, it is written in Islam religion. Therefore, if someone is bringing a good alternative like this, then I am supporting them,” said Rane on Tuesday.​