M'shtra BJP minister echoes CPI-M leader’s communal remark, labels Kerala ‘Mini Pakistan

The reverberations triggered by the Kerala CPM leader attributing Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi's victory to the votes of communal parties in Kerala, implicitly referring to the Muslim community, have been amplified by Maharashtra’s recently appointed minister, Nitesh Rane, who referred to Kerala as a 'Mini Pakistan,' claiming that both Gandhis won with the support of terrorists.

Earlier, CPI-M leader A. Vijayaraghavan alleged that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi had won from Kerala’s Wayanad constituency with the en masse voting of communal elements, tacitly referring to the Muslim community, which drew widespread condemnation from both the Congress party and the Muslim community.

Speaking at an event in Saswad, Pune, commemorating the historical defeat of Afzal Khan by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rane referred to Kerala as a “Mini Pakistan” and alleged that terrorists were responsible for electing Gandhi and his sister, Priyanka Gandhi.

The event, held to mark Shiv Pratap Din, was attended by supporters and political allies, where Rane praised Hindu activists from Kerala for their efforts in rescuing Hindu girls. However, his controversial assertions linking Kerala to terrorism and accusing voters of supporting Gandhi on these grounds have drawn widespread condemnation from opposition parties and civil society groups.

Rane’s remarks extended beyond political criticism, touching on religious and cultural issues. He expressed the need for Hindu festivals to be given the same freedoms as other religious events and emphasised the importance of Hindutva activism, assuring activists of governmental backing. He also suggested that his ministerial responsibilities would not hinder the continuation of efforts to strengthen Hindutva causes.

The opposition, particularly the Congress, reacted strongly to the statements, accusing Rane of spreading divisive rhetoric and making baseless allegations. Prominent Congress leaders questioned how a minister could remain in office after making such comments, especially when they undermine the unity of the country.

Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera joined the criticism, questioning BJP's stance on Kerala elections.

"Are they claiming Kerala is outside the Indian borders? Such unconstitutional statements reveal their desperation. They were unable to create history, so now they want to change geography," Khera told IANS.

As Opposition leaders demand accountability, the controversy surrounding Rane's remarks has highlighted concerns over political discourse and the responsibilities of public officials in maintaining national unity.

Speaking to IANS, Samajwadi Party MP Abu Azmi slammed Rane, saying, "He is such a small person. A cabinet of hatred should be formed for him as he always talks about hatred. Such baseless statements are made without any consequences. Even the Supreme Court has said that people who spread hatred should be punished, yet no action is taken against him."

Azmi also defended Kerala, stating, "Calling a state 'mini-Pakistan' is completely wrong. Kerala is a state that does not align with hatred. That's what troubles him. Rahul Gandhi has been winning elections before as well. His father and grandmother sacrificed their lives for the nation, and his mother continues to struggle for the country."

"People like Rane aim only to spread hatred towards Muslims, degrade them, and appease the majority to gain power. This must be why he was allotted his portfolio. Such statements expose their true intentions," he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey accused the BJP of benefiting politically from such divisive remarks.

"Since the Prime Minister won from Banaras with just around one lakh votes, the BJP has been restless. The real blow came when Priyanka Gandhi won from Wayanad by lakhs of votes. Now they resort to defaming Kerala by calling it 'mini-Pakistan' and alleging terrorists live there," he told IANS.

"These statements are made to spread poison and reap political benefits. Leaders like Rane are rewarded with ministerial posts, similar to Giriraj Singh and Himanta Biswa Sarma," he said.

Former TMC MP Majeed Memon also lambasted Rane, stressing the constitutional responsibilities of a minister.

"Kerala has the highest literacy rate. Calling it 'mini-Pakistan' and associating it with extremism is shameful. The Home Ministry, agencies, and the Centre must intervene, and serious action should be taken," he said.

Speaking to IANS, Memon urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to act, stating, "If someone who has sworn to uphold the Constitution can claim that a part of the nation is part of Pakistan, how can they respect their oath? Such individuals should not remain in ministerial posts even for a minute. However, the Chief Minister will not take action as Rane is one of his favourites."

The remarks have been interpreted as an attempt to stoke communal tensions, with political analysts suggesting that this could intensify the already charged political atmosphere in Maharashtra.

Rane’s comments also follow a pattern of provocative statements that have previously landed him in controversy. Earlier this year, he faced allegations of threatening minority communities, including Muslims, which led to accusations of the BJP stoking communal discord ahead of state assembly elections. The latest controversy has reignited debates over the appropriateness of such rhetoric from those holding public office.

The BJP-led Maharashtra government has yet to respond formally to the uproar, though political analysts note that such incidents could create further challenges for the ruling coalition in managing its relationship with opposition parties. The Congress has called for Rane’s removal from the cabinet, framing the controversy as a test of the government’s commitment to national unity and responsible governance.