A fresh political controversy erupted in Maharashtra on Sunday after state minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane launched a sharp attack on the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) while reacting to developments in the Nashik TCS religious coercion case.
The controversy intensified after AIMIM corporator Mateen Majid Patel allegedly came under police scrutiny for reportedly sheltering Nida Khan, the main accused in the high-profile case involving allegations of religious coercion, sexual harassment and misconduct linked to employees at Tata Consultancy Services’ Nashik office.
Addressing reporters, Rane made provocative remarks targeting AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and accused the party of pursuing divisive politics under the guise of public representation.
The BJP leader alleged that organisations promoting radical agendas were attempting to operate through political platforms and claimed AIMIM was engaged in activities harmful to social harmony. He further demanded strict action against the party and questioned its role in constituencies where it holds political influence.
Rane also criticised AIMIM over what he described as a lack of developmental work, alleging that the party focused more on identity-based mobilisation than governance issues.
His remarks triggered immediate political reactions and are expected to intensify tensions between the BJP and AIMIM in Maharashtra ahead of upcoming civic and local body political battles.
The latest controversy comes amid an ongoing investigation into the Nashik TCS case, which has drawn significant public and political attention in the state.
Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also commented on the matter after reports emerged linking AIMIM corporator Mateen Majid Patel to the accused Nida Khan following the rejection of her anticipatory bail plea.
According to the Chief Minister, investigators are examining whether there was a wider network involved in allegedly helping Khan evade arrest and whether any organised conversion-related activities were connected to the case.
Nida Khan faces multiple allegations, including charges related to sexual harassment, religious coercion and hurting religious sentiments at the Nashik office of Tata Consultancy Services.
Following the rejection of her anticipatory bail application, police teams from Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar launched a coordinated operation and arrested Khan after an extensive search operation spanning nearly two days.
Officials have stated that further investigation is ongoing and more details may emerge as questioning and evidence collection continue.
The case has now evolved beyond a criminal investigation into a politically sensitive issue, triggering sharp exchanges between rival parties over communal politics, law enforcement and the alleged misuse of ideological influence in workplaces.
