Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has ignited a fresh political and communal controversy by calling for Marathi to be taught in madrasas instead of Urdu, and provocatively suggesting that the Azaan (Islamic call to prayer) be delivered in Marathi. His remarks have triggered widespread backlash from opposition parties and minority leaders, further intensifying the ongoing language and identity debate in the state.
🔥 What Rane Said:
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He questioned the need for Congress to run Marathi schools, saying instead that madrasas should replace Urdu with Marathi.
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He stated that “real education” will happen in madrasas only if Marathi is taught there — otherwise, he implied, they produce “guns”, a highly inflammatory and communal statement.
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He also mocked Muslim shopkeepers and said Muslims should be urged to deliver Azaan in Marathi, blending religious and linguistic issues in a manner many see as divisive.
⚠️ Immediate Fallout:
Opposition Leaders React Strongly:
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Waris Pathan (AIMIM) accused Rane and the BJP of spreading hatred and attempting to create communal unrest through divisive language.
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Amin Patel (Congress) reminded that English, Hindi, and even Marathi are already taught in many madrasas and criticized Rane for equating religious institutions with violence.
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Harshvardhan Sapkal (Congress State Chief) maintained that Congress supports the promotion of Marathi, but not through coercion or hate. He underscored the party’s inclusive approach by stating “We are Marathi, We are Indian.”
🌐 Context: The Language and Identity Row
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Maharashtra has been witnessing heightened tensions over language pride, especially after recent incidents where people were attacked for not speaking Marathi.
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Several BJP-affiliated figures have pushed for increased use of Marathi in public life, especially in Mumbai, where Hindi, Urdu, and English are widely spoken.
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Congress’s move to start Marathi pathshalas (schools) appears aimed at promoting the language peacefully, in contrast to the BJP’s more combative posture.
🎯 Analysis:
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Rane’s comments are seen as a dog whistle to hardline voters, conflating religious identity with regional linguistic loyalty.
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The suggestion to give Azaan in Marathi ignores the fact that it is traditionally recited in Arabic, not Urdu — indicating a lack of understanding or an intent to provoke.
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By implying that madrasas are breeding grounds for violence, Rane risks stigmatizing an entire community under the guise of language advocacy.
🧭 Broader Implications:
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The remarks could further polarize voters ahead of upcoming local or national elections.
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It may alienate Muslim voters and push moderate voices in Maharashtra to demand greater accountability from the BJP-led state government.
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The ongoing language politics, if not handled sensitively, could lead to cultural and social fissures, especially in cosmopolitan cities like Mumbai.
✅ Conclusion:
Nitesh Rane’s incendiary remarks blur the line between language promotion and communal provocation, drawing strong condemnation from various quarters. While promoting Marathi is a legitimate cultural goal, critics argue that doing so by targeting religious minorities and educational institutions not only weakens democratic values but also threatens Maharashtra’s social harmony and pluralism.
