A political controversy erupted in Maharashtra’s Thane district after BJP leader Nitesh Rane participated in a Kanwar Yatra in Mumbra on Sunday, despite a request from an AIMIM leader asking police to prevent his entry into the area.
The annual religious procession, organised jointly by Mumbreshwar Devi Temple and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), attracted thousands of devotees of Lord Shiva. However, Rane’s participation and remarks during the event turned the religious gathering into a political flashpoint.
AIMIM Leader Opposes Rane’s Entry
Before Rane arrived in Mumbra, AIMIM corporator and district president Saif Pathan submitted a letter to the local police seeking a ban on the BJP leader’s entry into the area.
Pathan reportedly cited concerns over communal harmony and peace, arguing that Rane’s presence could create tension in the locality.
Despite the objection, Rane attended the religious procession as planned.
‘I Have Stepped Into Mumbra’
While addressing devotees during the Yatra, Rane made a strong political statement about his presence in the area.
“I have stepped into Mumbra,” Rane said, while also appealing to people to refer to the area as “Mumbra Devi.”
His remarks drew attention because of the political sensitivities surrounding Mumbra, an area with a significant Muslim population.
Rane Says ‘Hindu Community Has No Reason to Fear’
Rane went on to make a broader Hindutva-related statement while addressing the gathering.
“This is a Hindu Rashtra, and the Hindu community has no reason to fear. The Mumbra Devi region was saffron in the past, remains saffron today, and will remain saffron in the future.”
The BJP leader also urged devotees not to retreat because of fear.
He said that with a pro-Hindutva government in power, he would personally stand with anyone who faced threats or pressure.
10-Km Kanwar Yatra Draws Thousands
The religious procession covered approximately 10 kilometres and has reportedly been held annually for the past eight years.
The Yatra began at the Gaushala (cow shelter) at Mumbreshwar Temple and proceeded towards Khirkelewar Temple.
At the conclusion of the procession, devotees performed Jalabhishek, offering water to Lord Shiva as part of the religious rituals.
Thousands of devotees participated in the procession while chanting “Har Har Mahadev.”
Police Maintain Tight Security
Given the sensitivity surrounding the event and Rane’s participation, police maintained heightened security along the route.
Law enforcement personnel were deployed to monitor the procession and prevent any untoward incident.
The authorities faced the additional challenge of ensuring that the religious gathering passed peacefully despite the political controversy surrounding the BJP leader’s visit.
