Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Rane made a provocative statement on Tuesday, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could defeat Bangladesh within “48 hours” to save the minority Hindu community there, who he said are facing increasing violence. Speaking at a rally in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, Rane expressed concern over the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and vowed that India would protect its community members across the border. He also criticized the growing threats to Hindus within India, particularly in Maharashtra, where religious processions are reportedly facing disruptions.
Rane, who represents the Sindhudurg constituency in Maharashtra, emphasized that India was surrounded by dangers on all sides. He pointed out that while Hindus in Bangladesh were facing atrocities, India remained their only sanctuary. He also made a comparison with Muslim-majority countries, suggesting that Muslims have multiple nations to call home, but Hindus have just one—India. His statement, which implied that those who do not feel comfortable in India should leave, sparked controversy, as it veered into the territory of divisive rhetoric.
The Shiv Sena MLA also claimed that Hindu women in India were being kidnapped and that religious rallies, such as those for Ganesh Chaturthi, Ram Navami, and Hanuman Jayanti, were being targeted with stone pelting. These comments were made against the backdrop of rising tensions surrounding Hindu-Muslim relations in Maharashtra. Rane, who previously held a position in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), joined the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ahead of last month’s state elections. His comments, aligned with the party’s pro-Hindu rhetoric, reflected his commitment to securing the welfare of Hindus both in India and abroad.
In the same rally, Rane pledged that India, under the leadership of PM Modi, would not hesitate to take action to protect Hindus in Bangladesh. “We will save Hindus in Bangladesh. Modi ji will not take more than two days to defeat Bangladesh,” he told the gathering. The comments were interpreted as a bold, nationalistic declaration of India’s willingness to intervene on behalf of persecuted Hindus, though no official confirmation was provided regarding any planned military action.
Meanwhile, in Thane district, Maharashtra, the Sakal Hindu Samaj organized an event on World Human Rights Day to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. The organization’s delegation submitted a memorandum to Thane district officials, urging the Indian government to take swift action. As part of the “Bangladesh Hindu Nyaya Yatra” (Bangladesh Hindu Justice March), members also held silent marches in Thane and Vasai, Palghar district, calling for justice and solidarity with Hindus across the border. The movement, led by BJP leader Mahendra Patil, has amplified calls for intervention in Bangladesh amid mounting concerns over the safety of religious minorities.
