Minority commission chief slams Nitesh Rane’s comment on Eid

Pyare Khan, chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, has criticised the recent statements made by Minister Nitesh Rane, accusing him of sowing divisions and targeting Indian Muslims in the name of Pakistan. Rane had questioned the sacrifice of animals during Eid Al Adha, called for a celebration of a ‘virtual Eid’ and said India does not operate under Shariah law.

“Nitesh Rane keeps making the same hurtful comments again and again,” Khan said. “He taunts Indian Muslims by dragging in Pakistan, why? The truth is, those who chose to go to Pakistan did not believe in India. But those who stayed here, they are the honest ones. They believe in this country, and people admire them for that. Maybe that’s what is bothering Nitesh Rane the most,” Khan said. He was talking to the media in Nagpur on Tuesday.

Khan expressed concern that Rane’s statements are not just harmful to society, but also risk dragging down his own party. “By speaking like this, Nitesh Rane is damaging the image of the BJP. These are personal statements, but they reflect on everyone,” he said.

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He also issued a firm warning. “If communal tensions rise because of such comments, the Minority Commission will act. We have the power under Section 10 to issue a notice. If a riot happens, and it is because of his words, we won’t hesitate to hold him responsible.”

When contacted, Nitesh Rane said, “I was expecting a responsible person like him from the Muslim community to come out and support the stand of celebrating eco-friendly Bakrid. That will solve a lot of problems and stop this Hindu-Muslim divide for good.”