Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane Sparks Controversy Over Urdu and Azaan Remarks

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane Sparks Controversy Over Urdu and Azaan Remarks
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Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has ignited widespread criticism after suggesting that Urdu should be replaced with Marathi in madrasas and that the Azaan (Islamic call to prayer) be recited in Marathi, Muslim Mirror reported. His remarks, made in response to reports of Congress starting Marathi schools in Mumbai, implied that madrasas promote violence rather than education.

Rane stated, “Why does Congress need to run Marathi schools? The Opposition should ask Muslims to give the Azaan in Marathi. Instead of Urdu, teach Marathi in madrasas. Otherwise, all you get from there is a gun.” These comments were condemned by opposition parties including Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), AIMIM, and the Samajwadi Party, who accused him of inciting communal tensions and exploiting religious sentiments ahead of elections.

AIMIM leader Waris Pathan accused Rane and the BJP of spreading hate for political gain, while party chief Asaduddin Owaisi highlighted Rane’s previous praise of Tablighi Jamaat events, calling his current stance hypocritical. NCP leaders Rohit Pawar and Idris Naikwadi challenged Rane’s claims, emphasizing Urdu’s cultural significance for many Muslims and warning against vilifying minorities.

Samajwadi Party’s Abu Azmi condemned the remarks as disgraceful, noting that the Quran is already taught in Marathi in some madrasas. Rane has previously faced FIRs for provocative speeches targeting Muslims and controversial statements on burqas and Kerala.