Maharashtra’s Minister for Fisheries and Port Development, Nitesh Rane, launched a sharp critique on Monday against environmentalists and animal welfare advocates, questioning their silence ahead of Bakri Eid. He alleged a selective bias in their campaigns, accusing them of targeting only Hindu festivals like Holi and Diwali while remaining quiet on other religious observances.
According to news agency PTI, speaking to reporters, Rane remarked, “Some people advise us not to use firecrackers or colours during our festivals citing environmental concerns. Where have they gone now? Why is there no call for virtual celebration (not involving animal sacrifice) of Bakri Eid? Where are those animal lovers who appeal for virtual celebrations of festivals like Holi or Diwali?”
He expressed dissatisfaction with what he termed as “selective appeals in the name of animal rights,” asserting that such campaigns should not only apply to Hindu festivals. “These animal lovers make selective appeals in the name of animal rights. Why are they not saying the same ahead of Bakri Id?” he said.
This Is Hindu Rashtra, No Sharia Law Will Be Applicable: Nitesh Rane
Rane further argued that the same constitutional principles should apply to all communities. “This is Hindu Rashtra. If the Constitution drafted by Dr Ambedkar is applicable to Hindus then it should be equally applicable to Muslims also. No Sharia law will be applicable,” he stated.
He also questioned the absence of support within the Muslim community for an eco-friendly observance of Bakri Eid. “Why can’t the Muslim community come together to support the idea of celebrating Bakri Eid in an environment-friendly way as it would prevent unnecessary issues and Hindus would not have to face restrictions in their own societies,” he added.
Warning of legal action, Rane said, “Goats must not be sacrificed without following laid-down rules and laws.” He also suggested that appeals for an environment-friendly Bakri Eid should be directed to religious leaders so that animal rights activists “feel satisfied.”
Nitesh Rane Slams Congress Leadership
In a separate remark, Rane mocked the Congress party, responding to Independent MLC Satyajit Tambe’s comments about difficulties in meeting senior leaders. “From 2014 to 2019, I was a Congress MLA. Rahul Gandhi never met me. He did not even show me his face. What Tambe said is true. Even though he was the Congress president, he never made himself available to leaders like us,” said Rane, as quoted by PTI.
Drawing a comparison with his current party, Rane said, “The BJP is the world’s largest political party, and yet I can get an appointment with my party president or the chief minister in 10 minutes. That is one of the reasons behind BJP’s success. Unfortunately, Rahul Gandhi does not follow the same approach. I fully support Tambe’s statement.”
Rane also touched on the ongoing water taxi project, which aims to link the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport with Mumbai. He stated that a meeting had been held with officials, and he hoped to expand the service to other coastal regions.
