Maharashtra Minister Criticizes Namaz in Malegaon Office, Sparks Political Debate

A controversy arose in Maharashtra after protesters offered namaz inside the Malegaon Municipal Corporation electricity department during Ramzan. Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane condemned the act, calling India a "Hindu rashtra" and alleging madrassas promote terrorism, urging action and closures. Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi refuted these claims, defending the right to pray and inviting inspections to verify madrassas' conduct. The incident sparked political debate over religious practices in government spaces and madrassa operations.