Congress Demands Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane's Disqualification Over Kerala Is "Mini-Pakistan" Statement

The Congress party has demanded the disqualification of Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane after he referred to Kerala as a "mini Pakistan." Rane also claimed that "all terrorists vote for Gandhis," targeting Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who have won elections from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency.

AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal strongly condemned Rane's remarks. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue, asserting that Rane's comments breached his oath of office. Venugopal called for Rane's disqualification due to his "divisive remarks" and stated, "The defamatory comments branding the people of Wayanad as extremists will be challenged both legally and politically."

Political Reactions Intensify

During a rally in Purandar tehsil of Pune district, Rane stated, "Kerala is a mini Pakistan. Terrorists (previously) voted for Rahul Gandhi and now for his sister Priyanka Gandhi." His remarks drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, with Congress leaders condemning the language used. In response to the backlash, Rane defended his statement on Monday, clarifying that Kerala is part of India. He explained that his comments were aimed at issues like religious conversions and "love jihad" in the state.

The controversy has sparked significant political unrest in Kerala. Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, V D Satheesan, has called for Rane's resignation as a minister. Satheesan highlighted a broader political narrative, suggesting that both the BJP and CPI(M) are working together to undermine Kerala's secular heritage.

Accusations Against Political Parties

KPCC chief K Sudhakaran MP accused both the BJP and CPI(M) of conspiring to damage Kerala's secular legacy. Sudhakaran remarked, "Nitesh Rane's hate speech, based on Vijayaraghavan's earlier statement, stands as evidence of this conspiracy." He alleged that these parties are collaborating to tarnish Kerala's reputation.

Satheesan further referenced a statement by CPI(M) leader A Vijayaraghavan. He claimed that CPI(M) initially used communal remarks to appease the Sangh Parivar and now BJP is following suit nationally. Satheesan added, "Instead of correcting Vijayaraghavan, the CPI(M) leadership encouraged such statements, and the people of Kerala can see the clear agenda behind it."