Mumbai, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has urged Hindus to purchase Diwali-related goods from shopkeepers who identify with Hindu religious practices, including saying “Jai Shri Ram”, wearing a tilak and knowing how to recite the Hanuman Chalisa or Maha Aarti.
Speaking to IANS on Tuesday, Rane defended his appeal by drawing a comparison with restrictions he claimed applied to non-Muslims at certain Islamic religious events. He argued that Hindus choosing to buy goods from Hindu shopkeepers was no different from such religious preferences.
“While shopping for the occasion of Diwali, you should buy goods from shopkeepers who say ‘Jai Shri Ram’, wear a tilak on their foreheads, and know how to recite the Hanuman Chalisa or the Maha Aarti,” he said.
Rane added that people could buy from other vendors if they wished to “entertain Jihad”, using the term while criticising purchases from non-Hindu shopkeepers.
The minister also extended his argument to the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela in Nashik, saying that shops and commercial activities at the religious gathering should be restricted to Hindus.
Referring to Islamic gatherings such as Ijtima and events associated with Ulema, as well as the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Rane argued that similar restrictions should apply to the Kumbh Mela because of its significance in Sanatan Hindu Dharma.
Addressing AIMIM leaders, he challenged them to invite Hindus to their own religious gatherings before questioning his position.
Separately, Rane defended the Maharashtra government’s financial assistance of ₹5,000 to farmers ahead of Diwali, saying further support would follow. He praised the government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and described the decision to grant agriculture status to fisheries as a significant step for farmers and fishermen.
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