Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has stirred controversy with his provocative remarks targeting Bangladeshis and Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan during a rally in Pune. Linking the recent stabbing incident at Saif’s Bandra residence to the presence of illegal immigrants, Rane referred to both as “garbage” that needs to be taken away, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.
“Look at what Bangladeshis are doing in Mumbai. They entered Saif Ali Khan’s house. Earlier, they were at road crossings, and now they are entering houses. Maybe he came to take him (Saif) away. It is good, garbage should be taken away,” Rane stated, sparking outrage for his remarks against both Bangladeshis and the actor.
The minister also cast doubt on the authenticity of the stabbing incident involving Saif, saying, “When he was discharged from Lilavati Hospital, I saw him walking out, and he was almost dancing. I questioned whether he was really stabbed or just acting.”
Rane further criticized the alleged political bias in support for actors. “When Muslim actors face problems, every politician comes forward to help, but when it’s a Hindu actor, the same support is not seen,” he claimed, echoing similar sentiments expressed earlier by Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam.
