Maharashtra minister calls for Marathi in madrasas: All one gets there is a gun

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane stoked a controversy after calling for Marathi to be taught in madrasas instead of Urdu, and urged the opposition to ask Muslims to give azaan (Islamic call to prayer) in the language.

Rane was reacting to reports of the Congress starting Marathi pathshalas (schools) in some areas in Mumbai.

"Why does Congress need to run Marathi schools? The opposition should ask Muslims to give the Azaan (call to prayer) in Marathi... Outside our temples, there are 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans, but inside the shops, it's Abdul sitting there," the Fisheries and Ports Development Minister said.

The senior BJP leader emphasised that Marathi should be taught in madrasas so that "real education happens there".

"There is no need to have separate Marathi schools. Instead of Urdu, teach Marathi in madrasas. Tell the clerics to teach Marathi in madrasas so we feel that real education happens there. Otherwise, all one gets from there is a gun," he further said.

- Ends