Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane calls Muslims ‘green snakes’ and rejects communal brotherhood

Mumbai: Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane has rejected the concepts of communal brotherhood and religious coexistence during a speech at a public event in Mumbai.

Speaking at a Sambhaji Jayanti event organised by the Sakal Hindu Samaj in Andheri East, Rane dismissed traditional notions of harmony. "The interests of Hindus come first and foremost. There is no bhaichaara (brotherhood) and sarv dharam sambhav (equal respect for all religions). Whoever believes in this word should go to Pakistan. There is no need to live here," he told the gathering, adding that the interests of Hindus must come first.

During the address, Rane made controversial remarks regarding the Muslim community, using derogatory terms such as "green snakes" and "jihadis." Assuring the crowd of his support, he stated, "These green snakes will keep lingering around us Hindus, but we should not be scared."

Rane also referenced previous nationwide demonstrations, declaring, "This is Mahadev’s land. Only ‘I Love Mahadev’ will continue, not ‘I Love Muhammad’."

The "I Love Muhammad" demonstrations originated in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, during Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi celebrations, when local authorities and Hindutva groups objected to banners bearing the phrase, categorising them as an unauthorised new tradition. The movement subsequently spread, leading to significant law enforcement action. By late 2025, over 4,500 people had been booked and hundreds arrested across various states for participating in the rallies.