Thu Jul 17 01:20:05 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane (BJP) sparked controversy by suggesting the use of Marathi language in madrasas and for the Azaan, claiming that madrasas otherwise lead to the acquisition of weapons. Opposition leaders condemned his remarks as inflammatory and politically motivated, accusing him of stoking communal tensions for political gain. They argued that such issues should be addressed within the government, not through public statements that incite hatred. Concerns were raised about the potential for unrest and division among communities.

**News Article:**

**Maharashtra Minister’s Language Remarks Spark Outrage, Accusations of Communal Incitement**

**Mumbai, July 17, 2025** – Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane (BJP) is facing intense criticism after suggesting that Marathi should be used in madrasas and for the Azaan (call to prayer). Rane’s remarks, made on Wednesday, have been labelled as inflammatory and politically motivated by opposition leaders, who accuse him of deliberately fueling communal tensions.

“Opposition should ask Muslims to recite the azaan in Marathi instead of Urdu, and teach Marathi in madrasas. All you get from there is a gun,” Rane stated, drawing immediate condemnation.

NCP-SP State president Shashikant Shinde argued that Rane, as a Minister, should address such concerns within the government. NCP-SP leader Rohit Pawar accused Rane of using divisive tactics similar to those employed during the Lok Sabha elections. “It is the Home Ministry’s duty to investigate whether the madrassa has guns or bombs. Mr. Rane should not divide people for politics, or fuel communal sentiments,” Pawar said.

AIMIM leader Waris Pathan echoed these sentiments, accusing Rane of creating unrest under the guise of language and religion. Congress Leader Amin Patel pointed out that madrasas already use English, Hindi, and Marathi, and that language and religion are distinct issues. “Is Nitesh Rane himself taking any Marathi classes?” Patel questioned sarcastically.

The controversy underscores the ongoing sensitivity surrounding language and religious identity in Maharashtra, with the opposition alleging that the BJP is exploiting these issues for political advantage.

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