BJP leader calls Kerala ‘Mini Pakistan’ after Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi’s wins
Mumbai: Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has stirred controversy by describing Kerala as “mini Pakistan,” after the electoral victories by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking at an event in Pune, Rane said, “Kerala is nothing short of a Mini Pakistan. That’s why Rahul Gandhi and his sister got elected from there.”
The remarks triggered a political storm, with the Congress and its allies in the Maha Vikas Aghadi-I.N.D.I.A. bloc demanding strict action.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera questioned whether the BJP plans to contest elections in Kerala after such statements and criticized the ruling party for repeatedly making unconstitutional comments.
Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) spokesperson Clyde Crasto condemned Rane’s remarks. “The BJP must clarify if it endorses such statements,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi had previously won from Wayanad in 2019 and retained the seat in 2024 before resigning to make way for Priyanka Gandhi, who later won the by-election.
