"Every Vote Against Mullah...": Minister Nitesh Rane Sparks Row with Inflammatory 'EVM' Remark at Sangli Rally

Maharashtra's Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane has once again ignited controversy with his alleged provocative statements. Speaking at a Hindu Garjana Sabha in Sangli, Rane interpreted the term 'EVM' as "Every Vote Against Mullah," declaring, "Yes, we are EVM MLAs, but EVM means every vote against Mullah." His remarks were aimed at addressing opposition claims about electronic voting machines, which Rane said were baseless and stemmed from the inability of opposition parties to accept the "united Hindu vote" in Maharashtra.

Rane, the son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, is no stranger to controversy. Recently, he faced criticism for calling Kerala "mini Pakistan" and alleging that "terrorists" in the state vote for Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Responding to backlash over his Kerala comments, Rane clarified, saying he was drawing a comparison between the situation in Kerala and Pakistan. "Kerala is very much part of India. However, the decreasing Hindu population, rising religious conversions, and increasing 'love jihad' cases should concern everyone. My comments were meant to highlight these issues," he stated.

The minister's remarks have drawn sharp reactions from opposition leaders. Sharad Pawar faction leader Jitendra Awhad slammed Rane, accusing the BJP of fostering communal division. "Nitesh Rane took an oath on the Constitution. Some people are kept only to create Hindu-Muslim divisions," Awhad said.

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