BJP Minister Nitesh Rane Faces Backlash Over 'Mini-Pakistan' Comment on Kerala

Rane defends remarks by claiming they highlight concerns over religious conversions and demographic changes in Kerala.

Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane referred to Kerala as 'mini-Pakistan' during a public event, drawing condemnation from opposition parties.
Rane claimed his comments were intended to compare the treatment of Hindus in Pakistan to issues of religious conversion and 'love jihad' in Kerala.
He alleged that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were supported by 'terrorist organizations' in their elections from Kerala's Wayanad constituency.
Opposition leaders, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized the remarks as inflammatory and questioned Rane's position in the cabinet.
Rane later clarified that Kerala is 'very much part of India' and reiterated his concerns about the declining Hindu population and religious conversions in the state.