Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Tuesday lashed out at Maharashtra BJP minister Nitesh Rane for his controversial “Mini Pakistan” remark about Kerala. Venugopal called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack Rane, stating that his remarks were divisive and reflected animosity toward the people of Kerala.
“Using terms like ‘Mini Pakistan’ shows the BJP’s deep-rooted hatred for Kerala. If PM Modi has any shame about Mr. Rane’s statements, he should sack him immediately. Kerala’s people have rejected and will continue to reject the BJP for failing to understand the beauty of its harmonious living,” Venugopal wrote on X.
He highlighted Kerala’s achievements in human development, communal harmony, and progressive values, calling it a “model state for the world.”
Rane’s Remarks Spark Controversy
During a rally in Pune, Rane had referred to Kerala as “Mini Pakistan,” alleging that Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi gained support from “terrorists” in the state. His remarks, widely criticized as hateful and divisive, accused Congress of benefiting politically from the state’s minority population.
The statement led to widespread outrage, with opposition leaders and social activists condemning the comments. Critics accused Rane of spreading hate and trying to divide the country along religious lines.
Rane Attempts Clarification
Amid backlash, Rane defended his remarks, claiming his comparison stemmed from concerns over religious conversions and the so-called “love jihad” in Kerala. “I was highlighting the decreasing Hindu population and comparing the treatment of Hindus in Kerala to their persecution in Pakistan,” Rane clarified.
“Kerala is very much part of India. However, issues like religious conversion and the targeting of Hindu women through love jihad are worrying. My statement was factual, and I stand by it,” he added.
Despite the clarification, opposition leaders, including Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil, have demanded Rane’s resignation, accusing him of promoting hatred and damaging social harmony.
