Maharashtra Minister's Remarks on Namaz Protest and Madrasas Spark Political Debate

A controversy erupted in Maharashtra after a video showed protesters offering namaz inside Malegaon's electricity department during Ramzan. Minister Nitesh Rane condemned the act, calling India a "Hindu rashtra" and alleging madrasas promote terrorism, urging their closure. Opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party MLAs Abu Asim Azmi and Rais Shaikh, refuted these claims, defending religious rights and madrasas' role. The debate intensified with calls for inspections and political criticism over communal tensions.