Breaking: Nitesh Rane Calls Uddhav Thackeray "Shakuni Mama", Sparks Controversy Over Language and Religion | ABP NEWS

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has stirred a political storm with his sharp remarks amid the ongoing language policy debate. Addressing the media, Rane labeled Uddhav Thackeray as the "real villain" and compared him to Shakuni Mama, a treacherous character from the Mahabharata. He further accused Uddhav of having a hidden agenda to divide and weaken the Hindu community. Rane’s comments came in response to Raj Thackeray's recent warning that schools would be shut down if Hindi is imposed from Classes 1 to 5. Rane criticized the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana for ignoring Raj Thackeray's public meeting and claimed the party is pushing an Islamist agenda under the guise of secularism. He also raised concerns over madrasas in Maharashtra, alleging that they teach "jihad" instead of Marathi and have been found with swords and explosives. "Instead of shutting down Hindu schools, why not ban such madrasas?" he asked. The remarks have triggered strong reactions across political circles and are likely to intensify tensions over language, religion, and education policies in the state.