BJP MLA Nitesh Rane threatens violence in Ahmednagar speech

On a recent Sunday in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane delivered inflammatory speeches at two events, inciting violence against those who oppose the religious guru Ramgiri Maharaj. In a viral video, Rane threatened that anyone speaking against Maharaj would face violence, stating, "We will enter your mosques and hit you one by one." This rhetoric has raised significant concerns about communal tensions in the region, especially with upcoming elections. The speeches were made during the Sakal Hindi Samaj Andolan, an event organized in support of Ramgiri Maharaj, who has faced backlash for derogatory comments about Prophet Mohammad and Islam. His remarks have led to protests and demands for his arrest from Muslim leaders across Maharashtra. Rane's statements have been interpreted as an endorsement of Maharaj's controversial views, further inflaming the situation. Following the emergence of the video, the Ahmednagar police took action by registering two FIRs against Rane at Shrirampur and Topkhana police stations. The incident has drawn attention from various political figures, including AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan, who called for immediate action against Rane, labeling his speech as hate speech aimed at inciting communal violence. The unfolding events highlight the precarious nature of communal relations in Maharashtra, particularly in the context of political maneuvering ahead of elections. The situation remains tense, with calls for accountability and a need for peacekeeping measures to prevent escalation of violence in the region.