Mumbai: Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane has triggered controversy after making remarks against Muslims during a public event in Mumbai organised on the occasion of Sambhaji Jayanti.
Addressing a gathering hosted by Sakal Hindu Samaj in Andheri East, Rane rejected the ideas of communal brotherhood and equal respect among religions. He stated that Hindu interests should come first and dismissed the concepts of “bhaichaara” and “sarv dharam sambhav”.
Rane told the audience that those who believed in such ideas should “go to Pakistan”. His speech drew attention after he used derogatory language for Muslims, referring to them as “green snakes” and “jihadis”.
During the address, he urged Hindus not to fear Muslims and assured the crowd of his support. He also referred to earlier “I Love Muhammad” demonstrations and declared, “This is Mahadev’s land. Only ‘I Love Mahadev’ will continue, not ‘I Love Muhammad’.”
The “I Love Muhammad” campaign began in Kanpur during Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi processions after objections emerged over banners carrying the slogan. Authorities and Hindutva groups described the banners as an unauthorised practice. The protests later spread to multiple states.
According to reports mentioned during the controversy, police booked more than 4,500 people and arrested hundreds across different states by late 2025 in connection with the demonstrations.
Rane’s remarks have added to ongoing debate around hate speech, religious coexistence and rising communal tensions in India. Critics argue such statements deepen divisions and target Muslims through public rhetoric delivered from political platforms.
