Maharashtra BJP minister Nitesh Rane on Tuesday attacked Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, saying Bollywood actor Salman Khan was “more Hindu” than him, amid a political row over the actor’s presence at an RSS event in Mumbai. Khan was among several Bollywood celebrities who attended a programme at the Nehru Centre over the weekend, where Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a speech. The event was organised as part of the RSS’ centenary celebrations.
The actor’s appearance drew criticism from some quarters, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, a close aide of Thackeray, who took potshots at Khan for attending the event.
Responding to a question from journalists, Rane praised Khan and targeted Thackeray, his political rival. “Salman Khan is more Hindu than Uddhav Thackeray. It needs to be checked whether Uddhav Thackeray is actually Hindu or not. Salman Khan at least had the courage to attend the RSS chief's programme. Will Uddhav Thackeray ever show the courage to stand before (Congress MP) Rahul Gandhi or even refer to his own father Balasaheb Thackeray as ‘Hinduhhriday Samrat’?” Rane said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Indian National Congress are constituents of the Opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi in Maharashtra.
On Saturday, Khan was seen listening attentively to Bhagwat’s address during the two-day lecture series titled “100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons” at the Nehru Centre in the Worli area. He was seated alongside filmmaker Subhash Ghai and lyricist-writer Prasoon Joshi.
During his speech, Bhagwat said the RSS works for the country without opposing anyone, focuses on national unity and does not seek power. The event brought together senior RSS leaders, artists, sportspersons and other invited speakers as part of the organisation’s centenary outreach, sparking a broader political debate over Khan’s participation.
Bhagwat also identified religious conversion, infiltration, and a low birth rate as the three main factors behind population imbalance, saying scientific research suggests "we should have three children in a family," which, however, is a matter of choice.
He condemned the use of force, inducement or deception to convert people and increase the number of a sect, noting that “ghar wapsi” was the answer for those wishing to return to their original faith.
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