'Will I Support Those Who Speak Urdu?': Nitesh Rane's Controversial Remarks Amid Language Row (VIDEO)

Mumbai: Amid the language war in Mumbai, state minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane on Friday sparked controversy, saying that he has become an MLA with the support of Hindu voters.

“The ones wearing round caps and beards did not vote for me. I have become an MLA with the votes of Hindus,” Rane said, addressing a public gathering.

“If I do not support Hindus, will I support those who speak Urdu?… They are green snakes....The DNA of Mumbai is Hindu," he added.

He further said,"If our government stays, only then will the gods be protected."

Rane was responding to the ongoing language row and alleged that Hindus were being singled out for not speaking in Marathi.

Earlier in the month, Rane came down heavily against the MNS workers who thrashed the non-Marathis for not speaking in Marathi in Maharashtra. He dared them to go to Muslim areas like Null Bazar and Mohammed Ali Road in Mumbai and thrash the people living there as they do not speak Marathi. His statement came after the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers thrashed a restaurant owner in Mira Road for nor speaking Marathi.