Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Hits Back At BJP Leader Over "Kerala Mini Pakistan" Remark

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has criticised Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane for his "mini Pakistan" comment about Kerala. Vijayan described the statement as "deeply malicious" and "utterly condemnable," asserting it reflects hate campaigns against Kerala. He urged democratic and secular forces to unite against such propaganda, which he claims is orchestrated by the Sangh Parivar.

Political Reactions and Criticism

Nitesh Rane, son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, oversees fisheries and ports in Devendra Fadnavis's government. At a public event, he targeted Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, claiming they were elected from Kerala's Wayanad because it is "mini Pakistan." He alleged that terrorists support them.

Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe responded sharply to Rane's remarks. Londhe questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis on whether Rane should remain a minister after labelling a state as Pakistan and its voters as terrorists. He emphasised that Rane took an oath to uphold India's sovereignty.

Opposition Voices

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey commented on BJP leaders' concerns over election results. Dubey noted that Prime Minister Modi won by only a lakh votes, while Priyanka Gandhi Vadra secured victory with a four lakh vote margin. This, according to Dubey, has unsettled BJP leaders.

Clyde Crasto from the Sharad-Pawar-led NCP (SP) also criticised Rane's statements. Crasto demanded clarity from the BJP on whether they endorse such comments. He described the remarks as insulting and questioned the mental state of those making them. The controversy prompted Rane to clarify his stance.

Amidst the backlash, Nitesh Rane issued a clarification regarding his comments on Kerala. He stated that Kerala is indeed part of India but expressed concern over the declining Hindu population in the state. According to him, religious conversions of Hindus to Muslims and Christians are frequent occurrences there.