In a significant political move, AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jaleel departed from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to Mumbai on Monday, advocating for action against Hindu seer Ramgiri Maharaj and BJP MLA Nitesh Rane over remarks they made that are alleged to target the Muslim community.
Jaleel’s journey follows a series of controversial statements made by Rane during public meetings in the Ahmednagar district on September 1, where he expressed support for Ramgiri Maharaj. The seer has faced backlash for allegedly making derogatory comments about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, leading to multiple cases being filed against Rane in Maharashtra.
Before his departure, Jaleel launched the ‘Tiranga Samvidhan’ rally, emphasizing the need to uphold the values of Maharashtra’s diverse cultural heritage. Speaking to the media, he stated, “People who love their country and the culture of Maharashtra have come forward to support this agitation.” He further expressed concern that the state government has strayed from the principles upheld by revered figures such as Phule, Shahu Maharaj, Ambedkar, and Shivaji Maharaj. “We are going to Mumbai to remind the government about these foundational values,” Jaleel asserted.
Initially, Jaleel had planned to take a route through Gangapur and Vaijapur but ultimately opted for the Samruddhi Expressway for his journey. This protest reflects broader tensions surrounding communal relations in the state, highlighting the increasing political mobilization among various communities in response to perceived injustices.
As Jaleel heads to Mumbai, the situation remains tense, with many closely watching the developments that may arise from this rally and the actions taken against the accused leaders.