New Delhi, Oct 26 — Opposition leaders on Monday criticised Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane over his controversial remarks, saying that Rane just wants to create animosity and spread hatred between the two communities.
Rane had reportedly made the controversial remarks while addressing a gathering, claiming that Hindus should purchase items only from Hindu-owned shops during festivals. He also allegedly said that Muslim vendors should not be allowed to participate in the Nashik Kumbh Mela.
Speaking to IANS on the matter, RJD MLA Bhai Virendra said, “I know Rane’s father, who was a former Congress leader. "
RJD MLA Bhai Virendra said, “Some people are opportunists who would switch parties at any time to get a position in the cabinet. They don’t have any original thoughts. They only work to spread riots and communal hatred in the country,” Virendra said.
He added that those who incite people through their words also suffer the consequences of the violence caused by them.
Virendra said Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs had fought together for the country's freedom, stressing that India is a secular nation and not a Hindu nation.
He also demanded that Rane withdraw his statement and apologise to the people.
Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also criticised Rane, saying that as a minister, he should be aware of the Constitution and remember the oath he had taken.
“Being a minister, he should be aware of the Constitution. He should remember that he took an oath. He is there just to incite animosity between the two religions. This is RSS and BJP’s scheme,” Wadettiwar said.
“Are they caretakers of Hindus? It has become their job to create differences between the two religions,” he added.
Senior Congress leader and former MP Hussain Dalwai said Rane had no role in taking such decisions.
“The Chief Minister is responsible for taking these decisions. He is not. Men like him can only create animosity between the two religions,” Dalwai said.
He also dismissed the possibility of Rane's remarks influencing people's purchasing decisions.
“People are not going to follow this. Only those items will be sold that are of quality and cost-effective. People are not going to see whether the shopkeeper is Hindu or Muslim. Thinking that this statement will have an impact is wrong,” he added.
Rane reportedly claimed that money spent on purchasing goods from Muslims would be used to support extremism.
He further said that Hindus should interact only with other Hindus, adding that when Muslims celebrate religious festivals, Hindus would not be allowed to participate in them.
The remarks have drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who accused Rane of promoting communal divisions and called on him to withdraw his statements.