Kerala: In a scathing critique, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condemned Maharashtra BJP Minister Nitesh Rane for his inflammatory remarks, labeling Kerala as a “mini-Pakistan.” This controversy has ignited a fierce political debate, highlighting the divisive rhetoric that is increasingly prevalent in Indian politics.
During an event in Pune, Nitesh Rane made the provocative statement that Kerala is a “mini-Pakistan” and alleged that the electoral successes of Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in the state were due to the support of “terrorists.” This remark has been met with widespread condemnation from various political quarters.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan termed Rane’s comments as “highly provocative and condemnable,” emphasizing that such statements reflect the Sangh Parivar’s strategy to alienate and marginalize regions where they struggle to establish influence. Vijayan argued that these hate-filled remarks are part of a broader approach to isolate territories through hate campaigns and divisive narratives.
“The minister who made these hateful statements does not deserve to continue in his position,” Vijayan stated, expressing surprise at the silence of the ruling party’s leadership on this matter. He underscored that Rane’s remarks constitute a serious breach of his oath of office and an insult to the Constitution of India.
The opposition has also weighed in on the issue, with Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, calling for Rane’s resignation. Satheesan pointed out that similar divisive statements have been made by other leaders, including senior CPI(M) leader A Vijayaraghavan, who suggested that Rahul Gandhi’s victories in Wayanad were supported by communal forces.
KPCC chief K Sudhakaran MP alleged that both the BJP and CPI(M) are involved in a coordinated effort to tarnish Kerala’s secular legacy, using Rane’s hate speech as evidence of this conspiracy. The controversy has sparked a political storm, with opposition parties accusing Rane of spreading hatred and demanding immediate action against him.
