Millions of Muslims in Mumbai demand the arrest of BJP MP and Hindu leader Ramgiri Maharaj

Massive rally took place in Mumbai, where millions of Muslims demonstrated demanding the arrest of BJP MLA Nitesh Rane and Hindu leader Ramgiri Maharaj. This protest, organized by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), was part of a larger movement against what participants described as inflammatory and provocative statements made by these leaders targeting the Muslim community.

Key Highlights of the Rally​

• Tiranga Rally: The demonstration, dubbed the "Tiranga Samvidhan Rally," began in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and aimed to culminate in Mumbai. Protesters traveled in hundreds of vehicles, with estimates suggesting that over 12,000 individuals participated in the march.
• Demands for Action: The protesters called for the arrest of Nitesh Rane and Ramgiri Maharaj due to their controversial remarks, which have been perceived as inciting communal tensions. AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel stated that despite multiple FIRs filed against them, the state government has failed to take appropriate action.
• Political Context: The rally comes ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, with many participants accusing the ruling BJP government of attempting to provoke communal violence for electoral gains. Jaleel criticized Rane's repeated statements against Muslims, suggesting a deliberate strategy to incite conflict.

Government and Police Response​

• Police Barricades: Authorities deployed heavy police presence at key entry points into Mumbai, particularly at the Mulund toll plaza, to prevent the rally from entering the city. Despite this, protesters were able to submit their demands to government representatives.
• Political Reactions: Prominent political figures, including Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), have condemned Rane's statements and called on the BJP to rein him in. Pawar emphasized the need for unity among different religious communities in India.

Broader Implications​

This rally reflects ongoing tensions between different religious communities in India and highlights the challenges faced by minority groups amid rising communal sentiments. The situation underscores the politicization of religious identities and the potential for unrest as elections approach.

Conclusion​

The massive turnout in Mumbai signifies a strong collective response from the Muslim community against perceived injustices and hate speech. As political tensions rise ahead of elections, calls for accountability and justice will likely continue to resonate within broader societal debates about communal harmony and political responsibility in India.

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AIMIM clamours for Nitesh Rane’s arrest, Sharad Pawar asks BJP to control him https://indianexpress.com/article/c...-bjp-mla-nitesh-rane-ramgiri-maharaj-9583479/ via @IndianExpress

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