Maharashtra Minister and senior BJP leader Nitesh Rane recently sparked controversy with his remarks urging that Marathi be taught in madrasas instead of Urdu and suggesting that Muslims should deliver the Azaan (Islamic call to prayer) in Marathi.
Rane was responding to reports that the Congress had started Marathi pathshalas (schools) in certain areas of Mumbai.
Questioning the need for the initiative, he said, “Why does Congress need to run Marathi schools? The opposition should instead ask Muslims to give the Azaan in Marathi... Outside our temples, there are ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans, but inside the shops, it’s Abdul sitting there.”
The Fisheries and Ports Development Minister, known for his history of controversial statements, further said, “There’s no need for separate Marathi schools. Teach Marathi in madrasas instead of Urdu. Tell the clerics to ensure that Marathi is taught so that ‘real education’ happens there. Otherwise, all you get from such places is a gun.”
Notably, Rane’s remarks come at a time when the state is witnessing rising tension over language, with recent reports of individuals being assaulted for not speaking Marathi.
The BJP minister's comments have quickly sparked a sharp backlash from the Opposition, accusing Rane of spreading communal hatred under the guise of language advocacy.
Congress leader Amin Patel stated that many madrasas already teach Hindi, English, and in some cases, Marathi as well. He also clarified that the Azaan is traditionally recited in Arabic and questioned whether Rane had done anything concrete to promote Marathi education himself.
AIMIM leader Waris Pathan lashed out at Rane, saying, “Some BJP leaders in Maharashtra are spreading unrest in the name of language and religion. It’s the Chief Minister’s responsibility to stop them.”
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal said, “We are not against Hindi, but we oppose the imposition of a third language. We won’t use violence, but we will promote Marathi through education.”
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