Let madarasas adopt Marathi language instead of Urdu : Nitesh Rane

Cases of beating up Hindus who don’t speak Marathi, and Congress demanding Marathi medium schools

Mumbai – Maharashtra’s Minister for Fisheries and Port Development, Nitesh Rane, has stated, “There is no need to open new schools when existing madarasas can simply start teaching Marathi. Even the Azaan can be given in Marathi.” He added, “Madarasas are places where guns are handed out for free.”

His remarks came in the wake of two recent developments: reports of attacks on Hindus allegedly for not speaking Marathi, and the Congress party’s renewed demand for Marathi-medium schools.

📢 "Teach Marathi in Madrasas, Not Just Urdu!" – Minister Nitesh Rane (@NiteshNRane)🇮🇳 📚

🗣️“If madrasas start teaching Marathi, we’ll believe real education happens there – Only guns are available for free in madrasas"

⚠️ This comes amid assaults on non-Marathi speaking Hindus… pic.twitter.com/558Ov2loXf

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) July 16, 2025

Only love is taught in madarasas – Abu Azmi

False claims by Abu Azmi, Samajvadi Party MLA

Responding directly to BJP MLA Nitesh Rane, Abu Azmi defended madarasas, stating, “Nitesh Rane is welcome to visit any madrasa of his choosing. He harbours a deep-seated prejudice against Muslims. I am prepared to provide him a room in a madrasa where he can install CCTV cameras. He will see for himself that madarasas promote love and compassion — nothing else.”

Azmi further highlighted the historical and cultural significance of madarasas in India, saying, “During the freedom struggle in Mumbai, Mahatma Gandhi received support from madarasas. Many individuals from these institutions have sacrificed their lives for the nation. Madarasas also teach Marathi, and the Quran is available in Marathi to ensure accessibility for the underprivileged. These institutions are dedicated to educating the poor and nurturing them into responsible citizens.”

Editorial Perspective

“Whether madrasas teach love or engage in anti-social activities has become clear from many past incidents, even without installing CCTV cameras. Take note that Abu Azmi doesn’t utter a word about those incidents !”