‘We’ll Enter Your Mosques...’: Nitesh Rane Booked For Threatening Speech, Congress Demands Security Withdrawal

BJP MLA Nitesh Rane sparked controversy with his inflammatory remarks threatening Muslims amid an ongoing row over seer Ramgiri Maharaj's remarks on Prophet Muhammad.

Former Union minister Narayan Rane's son, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, sparked controversy with his inflammatory remarks in a speech in Ahmednagar. Speaking at a rally organised by the Sakal Hindu Samaj on Sunday, 1 September, Rane stated, "I will threaten you in the language you understand. If you do anything against our Ramgiri Maharaj, we will come into your mosques and pick you off one by one. Keep this in mind."

Known for his contentious statements, Rane has once again courted controversy with his provocative comments.

The rally in Yeola was held in support of seer Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj and to protest the alleged injustices faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. 

Last month, the police registered cases against Ramgiri Maharaj at Yeola in Nashik and Vaijapur in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar districts as a group of Muslims gathered outside the City Chowk police station, demanding action against Hindu religious leader Ramgiri Maharaj for his alleged objectionable remarks about Prophet Muhammad.

The FIR in Vaijapur was filed under Section 302 (uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings of any person) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) based on a complaint lodged by a local resident, news agency PTI reported.

2 FIRs Filed Against Nitesh Rane

Two separate FIRs have been filed against Nitesh Rane under the jurisdictions of Srirampur and Topkhana police stations in Ahmednagar district for delivering provocative speeches. The Topkhana police have registered the case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections 302 and 153 as Rane is accused of inciting violence and hurting religious sentiments. The police have issued a notice to Rane, summoning him for questioning.

Congress Delegation Seeks Action

In response to Rane's remarks, a Congress delegation met Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, urging action against the MLA for his provocative speeches.

Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad stated, "Leaders who are giving provocative statements should have their police protection removed. They are trying to disturb the communal harmony of Maharashtra. The unity of Maharashtra is the identity of Maharashtra."

NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule also commented on the issue stating that the BJP and Devendra Fadnavis, the Home Minister of Maharashtra are accountable for this matter and should be questioned about the same

AIMIM Question If Nitesh Rane Will Face Arrest

AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan has condemned Rane’s remarks. On X (formerly Twitter), Pathan criticised Rane, saying, "BJP is trying to create communal violence before the elections in Maharashtra and is spreading hatred against Muslims through its people. In Maharashtra's Ahmednagar, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane is openly threatening that Muslims will be targeted in their mosques. His entire speech spreads hatred against Muslims. This is incitement and hate speech."

Pathan further questioned, "While two FIRs have already been filed against Rane for his provocative speeches, when will he be arrested? Or will he be left unchallenged like Ramgiri?"

Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti leaders are yet to comment on the row.