BJP leader Nitesh Rane calls Sharad Pawar a reincarnation of Aurangzeb

Rane’s remark against Pawar has evoked sharp reactions from Opposition parties, with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut asking if it reflected “the BJP’s new culture” and NCP MLA Amol Mitkari calling the BJP leader a “chameleon”. Congress leaders termed the remark highly objectionable.

“Nitesh Rane is someone who is surviving on the BJP’s mercy. Wonder if Nitesh has taken a third birth. Seems like even he has come from Nepal. And now Konkan,” the NCP MLA said.

Rane’s penchant for making controversial remarks is known to everybody in political circles. He has previously been berated by the Opposition for his below-the-belt attacks on political rivals including Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray.

Opposition politicians have now demanded action against Rane.

While attacking the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government over the recent communal flare-ups, Pawar on Wednesday questioned the BJP’s “support” for Sakal Hindu Samaj rallies and those giving hate speech. He also wondered why the display of an Aurangzeb photo in Ahmednagar should lead to trouble in Pune.

Congress and NCP leaders have blamed Fadnavis, who is also the home minister, for the “breakdown” of the law and order situation, with Congress state president Nana Patole demanding his resignation.