MUMBAI — Maharashtra Port Development Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane on Monday stirred controversy with a series of sharp remarks on Eid al-Adha, cow slaughter and madrasas during a public event in Maharashtra’s Neral area of Karjat taluka.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Rane said festivals in all communities should be discussed through the lens of environmental responsibility, not just Hindu festivals.
Referring to appeals often made during Hindu festivals, he said Hindu society is regularly urged to celebrate dry Holi and avoid firecrackers during Diwali and questioned why similar suggestions could not be made for Eid al-Adha.
“People who are environmentalists, and organisations like PETA, always tell people to celebrate environmentally friendly festivals, celebrate a dry Holi and do not burst crackers during Diwali. But playing with colours during Holi and bursting crackers during Diwali has its own special significance in our Hindu religion, he said.
“So, if such rules and suggestions are made for Hindu society, then what is wrong in saying that the upcoming Eid al-Adha should also be celebrated in an environmentally friendly way, or even as a virtual Bakra Eid?” he added.
Commenting on the Maharashtra government’s decision to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in cases linked to cow smuggling and illegal cattle trade, Rane said the government had recently issued a Government Resolution that allows direct application of MCOCA in such matters.
“A few days ago, our government issued a GR. If anyone is involved in sacrifice-related violations or cow meat-related “illegal” activity, there is now a provision to directly apply MCOCA,” he said.
The minister also made controversial remarks regarding mosques and madrasas while speaking on incidents involving cow vigilantism. Rane made serious allegations against madrassas, claiming they were involved in anti-national activities and should face police action.
“I have been saying from day one that madrassas are not educational institutions but have become bases for terrorists,” Rane said. “Anti-national things are taught there. These madrassas are on my radar.”
Rane further alleged that madrasas were under close watch and called for the teaching of “Vande Mataram” there, while reiterating his stand on what he described as “land jihad” and “love jihad”.
He said the government, rooted in Hindutva ideology, would take strict action against those found targeting “gau rakshaks”. – With inputs from IANS
