Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane has stirred widespread controversy by declaring that he will press Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to close all madrasas in the state, asserting that these Islamic educational institutions serve as hubs for nurturing terrorists. The comments have drawn fierce backlash from various opposition figures, who labeled them as inflammatory and baseless, calling for evidence or a formal government response.
Rane’s statements came amid discussions on a widely circulated video allegedly depicting a Muslim religious teacher assaulting a pupil. He connected this to broader concerns about madrasas, prompting a heated debate across political lines.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Namaz offered at Malegaon Municipal Corporation electricity department, Minister Nitesh Narayan Rane says, "That’s why I repeatedly say, these madrasas are centers for training terrorists. There is no education or respect in them. If we had made such an… pic.twitter.com/RV7BxFZ0Sq
— IANS (@ians_india) February 25, 2026
Opposition Leaders Condemn Rane’s Assertions
Critics from multiple parties swiftly rebuked the minister. Shiv Sena UBT’s Sachin Ahir described the remarks as intentionally divisive, stating that individuals like Rane are positioned to sow discord in society. “Their job is to vitiate the atmosphere, and no one asks them to remain silent,” Ahir remarked.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Minister Nitish Rane’s statement, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sachin Ahir says, "Such people are appointed as spokespersons by the Bharatiya Janata Party only to spread bitterness in society. Their job is to vitiate the atmosphere, and no one asks them to… pic.twitter.com/g1T4u5QkXy
— IANS (@ians_india) February 26, 2026
Congress representative Aslam Shaikh emphasized the need for accountability from a government official. “If he makes such serious claims, he must prove them. If he cannot, people should ask when he will resign,” Shaikh told IANS, noting that madrasas predate India’s independence and hold historical significance.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Minister Nitesh Rane’s statement, Congress leader Aslam Shaikh says, "Nitesh Rane is a minister, so he should speak thoughtfully. If he makes claims, he should be able to prove them. If he cannot, people should ask him when he will submit his resignation.… pic.twitter.com/viuKKK9OL7
— IANS (@ians_india) February 26, 2026
AIMIM’s Waris Pathan accused Rane of consistently spreading misinformation and disrespecting national heroes. “Many great scholars emerged from madrasas. Those who fought the British during the freedom struggle, were they terrorists?” Pathan questioned in a statement to ANI, urging Rane to identify any RSS-linked freedom fighters.
#WATCH | Mumbai | On Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane's statement, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan says, "Nitesh Rane has developed a habit of lying. He doesn't know how many great scholars have emerged from madrasas… Those who participated in the freedom struggle against the… https://t.co/cFwIzjKWsN pic.twitter.com/AncfFhuise
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2026
Details of Rane’s Controversial Comments
Addressing the media, Rane referenced the video from Sawantwadi in Sindhudurg district, where he serves as guardian minister, showing a maulavi mistreating children. “Strict action will be taken. Such acts will not be tolerated,” he said, vowing severe repercussions for those involved.
He further challenged the existence of madrasas in Maharashtra, claiming instances where arms are discovered within them and reiterating that they foster terrorism. Rane drew a parallel by asking if any Muslim-majority nations permit Hindu schools focused solely on the Bhagavad Gita, suggesting religious instruction belongs in sacred sites. He confirmed his intent to submit a formal appeal to the chief minister for statewide madrasa shutdowns.
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