KERALA: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly condemned Maharashtra BJP Minister Nitesh Rane for referring to Kerala as “Mini Pakistan.” Vijayan described the remark as “deeply provocative and deplorable,” highlighting it as an example of divisive tactics aimed at regions where the BJP struggles to gain influence.
Vijayan accused political forces of attempting to marginalize and isolate areas through hate campaigns and divisive narratives. He emphasized that Rane’s statement reflects a strategy to undermine Kerala’s secular and inclusive ethos.
Criticizing the central government’s silence on the issue, Vijayan stated that such remarks violate constitutional values and the minister’s oath of office. He asserted that a minister making such inflammatory comments is unfit to hold office.
The controversy began when Nitesh Rane, during a rally in Pune district, labeled Kerala as “Mini Pakistan.” He suggested that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were elected from Kerala due to support from “terrorists.”
Following widespread backlash, Rane attempted to clarify his statement, asserting that he was merely comparing the situations in Kerala and Pakistan, and reaffirmed that Kerala is very much a part of India.
The Indian National Congress has demanded Rane’s resignation over his remarks, questioning his right to remain in the Maharashtra Cabinet.
This incident has sparked a broader debate on the use of divisive language in political discourse and its implications for India’s constitutional values and unity.
Source: Web Team, C6N
