Give azaan in Marathi, teach Marathi in madrasas so that real education happens there: Nitesh Rane
Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has ignited fresh controversy by demanding that the Islamic call to prayer, or azaan, be delivered in Marathi and that madrasas replace Urdu with Marathi to impart what he called “real education.”
Reacting to reports of the Congress starting Marathi pathshalas (schools) in some parts of Mumbai, Rane questioned the need for such initiatives and instead targeted the Muslim community.
"Why does Congress need to run Marathi schools? The opposition should ask Muslims to give the Azaan in Marathi. Outside our temples, there are 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans, but inside the shops, it's Abdul sitting there," India Today quoted Rane as saying.
The Fisheries and Ports Development minister further suggested that clerics be instructed to teach Marathi in madrasas. "There’s no need for separate Marathi schools. Instead of Urdu, teach Marathi in madrasas so we feel that real education happens there. Otherwise, all one gets from there is a gun," the senior BJP leader added.
Rane's comments come at a time when tensions over language are high in Maharashtra, with multiple incidents recently reported of individuals being attacked for not speaking Marathi. The remarks drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accused Rane of stoking communal and linguistic divisions.
"In Maharashtra, some BJP leaders are spreading hatred in the name of religion and language, creating unrest. It is the responsibility of the Chief Minister to stop such individuals," AIMIM leader Waris Pathan said.
Congress MLA Amin Patel also hit back, saying Rane was misinformed. "Has Nitesh Rane started offering any Marathi classes himself? Madrasas already teach English and Hindi... in some places, they also teach Marathi. Language and religion are two different paths. The Azaan is given in Arabic," Patel said.
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MP: 12 labourers killed, 20 injured as pick-up van overturns and crashes into SUV
Dhar (MP) (PTI): Twelve labourers were killed and 20 others injured when the pick-up van carrying them overturned and collided with an SUV in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday night, an official said.
The incident occurred at 8:30-9 PM. According to preliminary information, 35 labourers were returning home in a pickup van from Baggad in Dhar district when the driver lost control of the vehicle near Chikliya crossing. The vehicle overturned and collided with an SUV coming from the opposite direction.
"Twelve people died on the spot, while approximately 20 others were injured," said Dhar district's in-charge collector, Abhishek Choudhary.
The seriously injured persons were referred to Indore after initial treatment, he said.
Choudhary, DIG Mayank Awasthi, and police personnel rushed to the spot.
Tirla police have registered a case and are investigating the accident.
