CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, has strongly criticized BJP Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane for his controversial remarks labelling Kerala as "Mini Pakistan." She said that such statements reflect the broader ideology of the BJP and its leadership’s silence enables such divisive rhetoric.
"If a BJP leader can dare to make such statements about Kerala, which is a symbol of pluralistic culture and harmony, it is because he enjoys impunity from the party's leadership,” Karat told ANI.
She further demanded BJP President J.P. Nadda publicly denounce Rane’s statement and take appropriate action. Karat questioned the BJP’s response, pointing out that Nadda, known for commenting on political developments, has remained silent.
"Nitesh Rane is a member of BJP. This is not about him, but this is what the BJP thinks. Because why else would the BJP president not condemn it (such remarks)? He speaks on everything. His leader from Maharashtra insulted Kerala's history, people, and culture, will the BJP take action? The question is not whether CPI (M) or comrades from Kerala are condemning it, but is the BJP criticising such remarks. Is Nadda doing so? Are BJP leaders in Kerala condemning? Can BJP even dare?" she asked.
Echoing Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Karat called Rane’s comments "deplorable, provocative, and based on lies."
She emphasized that the remarks were not isolated but stemmed from the BJP and RSS’s broader ideological stance.
"Nitesh Rane's remarks are highly objectionable, based on lies, based on resentment. He is able to speak because this is what the BJP and RSS think. BJP must condemn such remarks and action should be taken against such person (Rane). His remarks remain undoubtedly deplorable and highly provocative and it was for the BJP President to take action against such an individual," she said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also weighed in, denouncing Rane's remarks as deeply provocative. He had asserted that the comments exemplified the Sangh Parivar’s calculated strategy to marginalize and isolate regions where their ideology faced resistance.
Earlier on Sunday, during a rally in Pune’s Purandar Taluka, Rane controversially stated: “Kerala is a mini-Pakistan. That is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister are elected from there. All terrorists vote for them. This is the truth, you can ask. They have become MPs after taking terrorists with them."
Amid widespread backlash from opposition leaders, Rane later clarified his remarks, claiming he was merely comparing the situation in Kerala to Pakistan and that the state remains an integral part of India.
The incident has sparked a political uproar, with leaders across the spectrum condemning the remarks as divisive and an insult to Kerala’s rich heritage of communal harmony and progressive values.
"If a BJP leader can dare to make such statements about Kerala, which is a symbol of pluralistic culture and harmony, it is because he enjoys impunity from the party's leadership,” Karat told ANI.
She further demanded BJP President J.P. Nadda publicly denounce Rane’s statement and take appropriate action. Karat questioned the BJP’s response, pointing out that Nadda, known for commenting on political developments, has remained silent.
"Nitesh Rane is a member of BJP. This is not about him, but this is what the BJP thinks. Because why else would the BJP president not condemn it (such remarks)? He speaks on everything. His leader from Maharashtra insulted Kerala's history, people, and culture, will the BJP take action? The question is not whether CPI (M) or comrades from Kerala are condemning it, but is the BJP criticising such remarks. Is Nadda doing so? Are BJP leaders in Kerala condemning? Can BJP even dare?" she asked.
Echoing Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Karat called Rane’s comments "deplorable, provocative, and based on lies."
She emphasized that the remarks were not isolated but stemmed from the BJP and RSS’s broader ideological stance.
"Nitesh Rane's remarks are highly objectionable, based on lies, based on resentment. He is able to speak because this is what the BJP and RSS think. BJP must condemn such remarks and action should be taken against such person (Rane). His remarks remain undoubtedly deplorable and highly provocative and it was for the BJP President to take action against such an individual," she said.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had also weighed in, denouncing Rane's remarks as deeply provocative. He had asserted that the comments exemplified the Sangh Parivar’s calculated strategy to marginalize and isolate regions where their ideology faced resistance.
Earlier on Sunday, during a rally in Pune’s Purandar Taluka, Rane controversially stated: “Kerala is a mini-Pakistan. That is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister are elected from there. All terrorists vote for them. This is the truth, you can ask. They have become MPs after taking terrorists with them."
Amid widespread backlash from opposition leaders, Rane later clarified his remarks, claiming he was merely comparing the situation in Kerala to Pakistan and that the state remains an integral part of India.
The incident has sparked a political uproar, with leaders across the spectrum condemning the remarks as divisive and an insult to Kerala’s rich heritage of communal harmony and progressive values.
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