“This is not Pakistan:” BJP Minister threatens Indian Muslims over Eid sacrifices

A minister from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra made inflammatory remarks targeting Muslims ahead of Eidul Azha, warning them against performing animal sacrifices.

Maharashtra’s Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane said during a media interaction, “Anyone who tries to forcibly carry out a goat sacrifice in our society will face strict action. Our Hindutva government will not tolerate it.”

He further added, “"Yeh kisi ke abba ka Pakistan nahi hai [This is not anyone’s father’s Pakistan],” asserting that India is a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ where “Sharia law will not be implemented.”

“In our country, Ambedkar’s Constitution is followed, and the same law applies to all communities, including Muslims,” Rane continued in his controversial speech.

Rane, a hardline Hindutva leader known for his frequent incendiary remarks against Muslims, later doubled down on his statement, claiming that Bakra Eid makes Hindus 'uncomfortable' and could lead to communal tensions.

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He suggested that Muslims should consider celebrating an “eco-friendly Bakra Eid,” comparing it to how some Hindus now avoid using colors during Holi or firecrackers during Diwali out of environmental concerns.

His comments were strongly criticised by Pyare Khan, chairman of the Maharashtra State Minorities Commission, who said that Muslims have never opposed the celebration of Holi or Diwali. Such statements only incite division and hatred.

It is important to note that Indian Muslims have been increasingly targeted by the far-right ruling party and its affiliates, who seek to erode the identity and constitutional protections of minority groups in an effort to establish Hindu supremacy across social and cultural spheres.

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Hindutva vigilantes frequently target Muslims over cow ownership, beef consumption, or interfaith relationships, often resulting in harassment, violence, and mob attacks.

Alarmingly, such discriminatory behavior is not only tolerated but at times encouraged by senior BJP politicians and serving ministers, further fueling communal divisions in the country.