Marathi in madrasas remark by Nitesh Rane sparks political outrage across Maharashtra

In a state already dealing with language sensitivities and political tension, a fresh controversy erupted when BJP minister Nitesh Rane suggested teaching Marathi in madrasas, replacing Urdu, and even proposed that the Islamic call to prayer, or azaan, be delivered in Marathi. His statements didn’t just create a ripple—they triggered a storm across Maharashtra’s political landscape.

While speaking to reporters recently, Rane questioned why Congress was introducing Marathi schools in certain Mumbai areas. He provocatively stated,

“Why does the Congress need to run Marathi schools? The Opposition should ask Muslims to give the azaan in Marathi. Instead of Urdu, teach Marathi in madrasas. Otherwise, all you get from there is a gun.”

These words didn’t go unnoticed.

🔥 Opposition Slams Nitesh Rane’s Comments

As expected, the Opposition parties came down heavily on Rane’s statements, calling them divisive and inflammatory.

Senior NCP leader Shashikant Shinde pointedly said, “This is the responsibility of the home ministry. There is no need to create unnecessary tension. If he wants Marathi to be taught in madrasas, who is stopping him? As a minister, he should raise such matters in the Cabinet, not make provocative public statements.”

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi went a step further, accusing Rane of hypocrisy. He reminded the public that Rane had previously praised Tablighi Jamaat’s Ijtema and extended greetings, but was now demanding azaan in Marathi.

“If you look at his old tweets, you will see that he used to welcome the Tablighi Jamaat’s Ijtema. And now he wants azaan in Marathi?” Owaisi remarked.

💥 Rane’s History of Controversial Remarks

This is not the first time Nitesh Rane has attracted criticism for his statements. Earlier this year, he took a controversial stance during Eid al-Adha, questioning the ritual animal sacrifices and suggesting a “virtual Eid” instead. He also stated that “India does not operate under Shariah law,” adding fuel to already heated communal discussions.

🛑 Backlash From Community and Leaders

Pyare Khan, chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, condemned Rane’s remarks. He accused the minister of sowing division and targeting Indian Muslims in the name of nationalism and political gain.

“By speaking like this, Nitesh Rane is damaging the image of the BJP. These are personal statements, but they reflect on everyone,” Khan stated.

Meanwhile, the language row in Maharashtra continues to boil. There have already been several incidents in recent months where people were attacked for not speaking Marathi, intensifying regional and communal fault lines.

📢 “No Need for Separate Marathi Schools”: Rane

During his controversial statement, Rane said:

“There is no need to have separate Marathi schools. Instead of Urdu, teach Marathi in madrasas. Tell the clerics to teach Marathi in madrasas so we feel that real education happens there. Otherwise, all one gets from there is a gun.”

This remark, equating madrasas with gun culture, has been widely slammed for stigmatizing an entire community and promoting dangerous stereotypes.

🚨 Fierce Opposition Reacts

Prominent leaders reacted strongly:

• Waris Pathan (AIMIM): “In Maharashtra, some BJP leaders are spreading hatred in the name of religion and language, creating unrest. It is the responsibility of the Chief Minister to stop such individuals.”
• Amin Patel (Congress): “Has Nitesh Rane started offering any Marathi classes himself? Madrasas already teach English and Hindi… in some places, they also teach Marathi. Language and religion are two different paths. The Azaan is given in Arabic.”
• Harshvardhan Sapkal (Maharashtra Congress Chief) also added during a ‘We are Marathi, We are Indian’ workshop: “Congress is not against Hindi language but against the compulsion of a third language… We will not beat up, but will teach Marathi.”

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📚 The Larger Debate: Education or Politics?

The core of the controversy seems less about education and more about political polarization. In a state gearing up for elections, statements like these serve as flashpoints that can mobilize certain voter bases.

But at what cost?

Bringing in the demand to replace Urdu with Marathi in madrasas, or asking for azaan to be chanted in Marathi, goes beyond language. It taps into deep-rooted religious and cultural identities, risking not only public peace but also trust in democratic dialogue.

This is not just about Marathi in madrasas. It’s about how language, religion, and politics are often entangled—sometimes for votes, and sometimes for ideological battles.

The need of the hour is thoughtful discourse, not provocative headlines. Leaders must tread carefully, for the words they speak carry the power to build harmony—or shatter it.