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BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has once again stirred controversy, this time with a provocative statement aimed at real estate brokers in Ulwe, Maharashtra. During a visit to a Ganesh Pandal, Rane asked real estate agents to take an oath “not to deal with non-Hindus,” going as far as to suggest that brokers should check Aadhaar cards to verify the religious identity of potential buyers or renters. His remarks have drawn significant backlash, particularly from political and social groups, who accuse Rane of inciting communal tension and undermining the secular principles of the Indian Constitution.
Rane’s Controversial “Oath” for Real Estate Brokers
In a video that quickly went viral, Nitesh Rane, the MLA from Kankavli, was seen addressing a group of real estate brokers. He urged them to overlook concepts like sarva dharma samabhava (the principle of equal respect for all religions) and bhaichaaracha dongar (a metaphorical “hill of brotherhood”). According to Rane, real estate brokers should prioritize serving only the Hindu community, stating, “We should only care for Hindus.”
The MLA’s statement quickly escalated in controversy as he referenced a particular religion, claiming that its scriptures either advocated for the conversion of Hindus or their killing. In his speech, Rane challenged religious scholars from this faith to come forward and deny his allegations, further inflaming an already sensitive issue.
FIRs Filed for Provocative Speech
Rane’s statements led to two First Information Reports (FIRs) being registered against him for delivering provocative speeches that could incite communal violence. His remarks were viewed as dangerous, not only for their communal undertones but also for the potential to disturb peace and harmony in a country as diverse as India. Despite these FIRs, there has been significant criticism regarding the perceived lack of action taken by law enforcement.
Backlash from AIMIM and Other Political Groups
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a political party known for advocating Muslim rights, was quick to react. The party organized protests against Nitesh Rane’s statements, accusing him of violating the secular fabric of the country. AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel was particularly vocal, condemning Rane’s remarks as being not only inflammatory but also unconstitutional. According to Jaleel, Rane’s words contradict the core principles of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equal rights and religious freedom to all citizens, irrespective of their faith.
“Gift of the Constitution” Protest
Imtiaz Jaleel, a former AIMIM MP, announced that he would visit Mumbai on September 23 to stage a unique protest. He plans to “gift” copies of the Indian Constitution to leaders of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, of which Rane’s BJP is a part. Jaleel argued that the government’s failure to act against individuals like Nitesh Rane and Hindu seer Ramgiri Maharaj, who have made similarly controversial statements targeting Muslims, could lead to chaos and unrest.
“If such elements are left unchecked, it could lead to anarchy,” Jaleel warned. He also expressed frustration that despite multiple FIRs, no concrete action had been taken. By distributing copies of the Constitution, Jaleel hopes to remind the Mahayuti leaders of their duty to uphold the law and take action against those who spread hate and division.
Ajit Pawar Condemns “Objectionable” Remarks
Adding his voice to the growing condemnation of Nitesh Rane’s remarks, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar made it clear that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), to which he belongs, strongly opposes such inflammatory rhetoric. Pawar expressed concern that individuals from certain political parties were using divisive language that targeted specific religious communities.
“Today, certain individuals from a political party use denigrating language targeting a particular community and religion. We do not support such language, and we strongly oppose it. This kind of objectionable language creates a rift in society,” said Pawar during a public event.
Pawar’s comments were widely seen as a response not only to Rane’s controversial statements but also to the broader trend of communal polarization that has become more pronounced in recent years. He stressed the need for political leaders to act responsibly, warning that inflammatory remarks could destabilize the social fabric and lead to widespread unrest.
The Political and Social Implications of Rane’s Remarks
Nitesh Rane’s statements have sparked a broader debate about the role of politicians in fueling communal tensions. In a country as diverse as India, where various religions have coexisted for centuries, such remarks are seen as deeply harmful. The Indian Constitution, which Rane has been accused of undermining, enshrines the principle of secularism. Article 25 of the Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate their religion, while Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
Rane’s call for real estate brokers to discriminate based on religion directly contradicts these constitutional principles. Furthermore, by invoking a particular religion’s scriptures in a negative light, Rane has been accused of attempting to stoke fears and divisions between communities.
The Role of Law Enforcement
The filing of FIRs against Nitesh Rane has raised questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in holding political figures accountable. While the police have registered complaints, there has been growing frustration that no significant action has been taken to punish or even investigate Rane thoroughly. Critics argue that politicians who incite communal violence are often shielded from consequences due to their political influence and connections.
Imtiaz Jaleel and other AIMIM leaders have highlighted this issue, arguing that the lack of swift legal action sends a dangerous message — that inflammatory, divisive rhetoric is tolerated, if not encouraged, in certain political circles.
The Broader Debate on Communal Polarization
Rane’s remarks are part of a larger pattern of communal polarization that has been on the rise in India in recent years. The increasing frequency of such incidents has led to concerns about the erosion of India’s secular character. While India’s political system is designed to be inclusive, there are fears that communal politics could fracture the nation’s unity and lead to long-term social unrest.
Political analysts have pointed out that communal rhetoric often escalates during election seasons, as parties seek to mobilize votes by appealing to religious identities. This tactic, while effective in the short term, can have devastating long-term consequences for social cohesion.
Conclusion
Nitesh Rane’s remarks have ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising critical questions about the role of political leaders in promoting unity versus division. By asking real estate brokers to discriminate against non-Hindus, Rane has been accused of inciting communal hatred and undermining India’s constitutional values. The backlash from political parties like AIMIM, as well as condemnation from leaders like Ajit Pawar, highlights the serious social and political implications of such statements.
While FIRs have been registered, the perceived inaction by law enforcement has only added to the tensions. As India continues to grapple with the challenges of maintaining communal harmony, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the fragility of social unity and the importance of responsible political leadership.