Opposition slams Nitesh Rane’s Marathi madrasa remark

Mumbai

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane faced strong criticism from opposition leaders on Wednesday after he suggested that madrasas should teach Marathi instead of Urdu and that the Islamic call to prayer (Azaan) should be delivered in Marathi. The opposition accused him of targeting minorities and trying to create communal tension for political gain ahead of elections.

Rane’s comments came after news that Congress was starting Marathi schools in Mumbai. He said, “Why does Congress need Marathi schools? Muslims should give Azaan in Marathi. Teach Marathi in madrasas; otherwise, all you get from there is a gun.”

This statement quickly drew backlash. Shashikant Shinde from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said Rane was creating unnecessary tension and that as a minister, he should discuss such matters in the Cabinet instead of making provocative public comments.

Rohit Pawar of the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) accused Rane of acting on orders from senior leaders and using communal issues to divide people. He said, “During Lok Sabha elections, they played Hindu versus Muslim. Now for local polls, it’s Marathi versus non-Marathi and madrasas.”

Idris Naikwadi, another NCP leader, added that every religion has its own language and for most Muslims, it is Urdu. He said Rane was purposely showing minorities in a bad light to gain votes and that such statements were irresponsible.

Opposition leaders urged Rane and other ministers to act responsibly and avoid comments that might increase communal tensions. They warned that such divisive tactics hurt social harmony and are dangerous during election times.