The minister in Maharashtra calls Muslims ‘green snakes’ and threatens violence against them; growing impunity for hate speech in the country questioned
MUMBAI — The politics of hate in Maharashtra has once again taken centre stage as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Kankavli MLA Nitesh Narayan Rane continues to deliver inflammatory speeches targeting Muslims across the state.
Despite being booked in over 20 FIRs for inciting communal hatred, the minister has not faced any serious legal consequences. His repeated remarks — ranging from calling Muslims “green snakes” to urging people to boycott their businesses — have sparked anger among citizens, activists, and opposition parties alike.
In his most recent statement, Rane referred to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and former MLA Waris Pathan as “barking dogs”, adding, “Those who bark do not bite. But if they try to disturb law and order, we will not spare them.”
The comment, made during a rally in Maharashtra, has been widely condemned for promoting communal enmity and undermining the state’s social harmony.
Rane further escalated tensions by challenging AIMIM’s Waris Pathan to “name the mosque” where he should come to meet him, warning that “this is a Hindutva government.”
Opposition leaders have condemned the statement as a direct threat to religious minorities. “This kind of language is dangerous for democracy. Ministers are expected to uphold the Constitution, not threaten citizens based on their faith,” said Jitendra Awhad, senior NCP (Sharad Pawar) leader.
Nitesh Rane, son of Union Minister Narayan Rane, has a long record of communal and inflammatory statements. According to police records and court filings, more than 20 FIRs have been lodged against him under sections related to promoting enmity between communities and disturbing public peace.
Here are some of his most controversial remarks:
January 2024 – Targeting Muslims after Mira Road violence: After communal tensions in Mira Road, Rane labelled Muslims as “Rohingyas and Bangladeshis” and threatened to “beat and strip them.” The shocking remark, made in Mumbai’s Malvani and Mankhurd areas, led to four FIRs.
April 2024 – Accuses Muslims of Trapping Hindu Women: During public meetings in Mumbai and Pune, Rane alleged that “Muslims trap Hindu girls in the name of love.” The AIMIM strongly protested, accusing the BJP of spreading fear for electoral gain. The Rane statement led to another four FIRs.
September 2024 – Threat to Attack Mosques: At rallies in Ahmednagar and Shrirampur, Rane declared, “If anyone speaks against Ramgiri Maharaj, we will enter mosques and kill them one by one.” Two FIRs followed, and Congress demanded his security cover be withdrawn.
September 2024 – Calls for Economic Boycott of Muslims: In Mumbai’s Ulwe area, he made businesspeople take an oath to “avoid deals with non-Hindus”, saying “Forget communal harmony, care only for Hindus.” AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel slammed him, saying, “Rane needs a copy of the Constitution, not the language of hate.”
January 2025 – Calls Muslims ‘Green Snakes’: At a Pune gathering, he referred to Muslims as “green snakes” and described Kerala as “mini-Pakistan”, claiming “terrorists there vote for Rahul and Priyanka.” Opposition parties denounced the remarks as hate speech.
March 2025 – Distorts History, Insults Muslims: In Karad and Khuldabad, Rane claimed “no Muslims served in Shivaji Maharaj’s army” and threatened to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb. Several historians and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, corrected him, saying “Shivaji’s army had Muslims in key positions.”
March 2025 – Calls Muslim Traders ‘Funders of Jihad’: Speaking in Ahmednagar’s Madhi village, he alleged “Muslim money funds jihad”, supporting calls to ban Muslim traders from markets. The statement prompted a petition in the Bombay High Court.
Following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Rane said, “Ask shopkeepers their religion. Don’t buy from those who can’t recite Hanuman Chalisa.” The State Minority Commission accused him of spreading hate and filed a complaint. At a Ganesh festival in Mankhurd, Rane claimed “topi-wallahs didn’t vote for us, this is a Hindutva government.” Later in Pune, he said “EVM means Every Vote Against Mullah.” Even his father, Narayan Rane, criticised the statement, calling it “unnecessary and divisive.”
Political parties and civil society have called out the BJP leadership for shielding Rane. “If a Muslim leader had said half of this, he would be in jail,” said Imtiaz Jaleel of AIMIM.
Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “The BJP talks about law and order, but its own minister spreads hate with complete freedom. This shows their hypocrisy.”
Ordinary citizens have also expressed frustration. “We are tired of this constant targeting of Muslims. Instead of jobs and education, leaders are giving hate speeches,” said Sajid Khan, a resident of Pune.
Despite multiple police complaints and court orders, Nitesh Rane continues to make such statements publicly. Legal experts say this reflects a growing culture of impunity for hate speech by politicians.
“When the ruling party’s leaders are seen breaking the law without consequence, it encourages others to follow,” said Advocate Farzana Sheikh, a constitutional lawyer in Mumbai. “The state is becoming numb to hate speech.”
Analysts believe Rane’s remarks are part of a calculated strategy to consolidate votes through communal polarisation. Political commentator Rashid Qureshi observed, “When unemployment and inflation rise, hate becomes a convenient distraction. Leaders like Rane exploit this to stay relevant.”
Amid the noise, several voices from civil society have urged restraint and unity. “Hindu-Muslim brotherhood is the soul of Maharashtra,” said Maulana Arshad Nadwi, an imam in Mumbai. “Those who divide us insult the memory of Shivaji Maharaj himself, who valued all faiths.”
Citizens’ groups are demanding stronger hate speech laws and accountability from ministers. “It’s time the BJP shows whether it supports the Constitution or those who insult it,” said activist Shreya Naik.
From calling Muslims “snakes” to urging economic boycotts, Nitesh Rane’s political career has become a showcase of how hate is being normalised in India’s political culture.
As the number of FIRs grows, many are asking—if repeated hate speeches by a minister go unpunished, what message does it send to ordinary citizens about justice and equality?
