Maharashtra Minister Rane says State govt. elected with ‘Hindu’ votes

Stoking another controversy, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Wednesday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti government in the State is a “Hindutvawadi” regime, elected with the support of Hindu votes, and implied that Muslims did not vote for the party.

During a visit to a Durga pandal of Sakal Hindu Samaj in Mumbai’s Mankhurd area, Mr. Rane said no one would be allowed to disrespect Hindu gods and goddesses during the festival.

“This government has been elected with the support of Hindu votes…Those who wear the skullcap did not vote for it,” he said, in an apparent reference to Muslims.

Tensions had flared after an idol of Goddess Durga was allegedly desecrated in Mankhurd on Sunday night, leading to a clash between two groups.

Participating in a ‘maha aarti’ during the event, the BJP leader warned against spoiling the peaceful atmosphere of the State. “Celebrate your festivals peacefully, and we will celebrate ours. Don’t look at us sideways,” he said.

“We will not tolerate anyone trying to disturb Mumbai’s atmosphere,” he added.

Mr. Rane said that anyone requiring permission to celebrate festivals could contact the government, which would grant approvals quickly.

Earlier, on Monday, he had claimed garba events during Navratri were becoming “epicentres” of “love jihad” and backed the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s advisory asking organisers to thoroughly verify identity documents of participants.

In July, Mr. Rane had sparked controversy by referring to Muslims as “green snakes” while speaking on voting patterns, claiming he became an MLA with the support of Hindu voters.