Opposition Criticizes Nitesh Rane Over Azaan Comment

Quick Summary

• Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane suggested that madrasas should teach Marathi and that the call to prayer (Azaan) should be recited in Marathi instead of Urdu.
• Mr. Rane claimed madrasas are associated with negative outcomes, stating, “All you get from ther is a gun.”
• His comments have sparked criticism from various Opposition leaders:

– Shashikant Shinde (NCP-SP) criticized Rane for not raising such issues in the Cabinet instead of making divisive public remarks.
– Rohit Pawar (NCP-SP) labeled the comments as politically motivated,comparing them to earlier Hindu-Muslim and language-based incidents during elections. He called on the Home Ministry to investigate madrasa-related concerns without communalizing politics.
– Waris Pathan (AIMIM) accused BJP leaders like Rane of spreading hatred for electoral gains in Maharashtra by exploiting religion and language differences.
– Amin Patel (Congress) stated Marathi is already taught in madrasas alongside Hindi and English while asserting the Azaan will remain in Arabic as it pertains to religious practice.

Image Credit: The Hindu

Indian Opinion Analysis

The remarks by Nitesh Rane highlight ongoing tensions between cultural integration efforts and political opportunism surrounding language and religion in IndiaS socio-political context, especially within Maharashtra-a state where linguistic pride frequently intersects with broader identity issues.

Critics point out how such statements could stoke communal sensitivities rather than fostering meaningful dialog on education or integration policies regarding marginalized communities like those attending madrasas. There were calls for institutions-including government ministries-to address flagged concerns like potential risks proactively rather than using rhetoric that might deepen societal divides.The debate underscores a larger issue India grapples with: balancing regional linguistic identities with inclusivity while ensuring political narratives do not destabilize delicate social harmony ahead of electoral cycles.

read More: The Hindu