Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, September 23, 2024 – Imtiaz Jaleel, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), departed for Mumbai today, aiming to press for action against Hindu seer Ramgiri Maharaj and BJP MLA Nitesh Rane for their alleged hate speech targeting the Muslim community. The rally, dubbed the ‘Tiranga Samvidhan,’ commenced from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, with Jaleel emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding communal harmony and reminding leaders of Maharashtra’s cultural legacy.
On September 11, Jaleel announced his intention to travel to Mumbai on the 23rd, planning to present copies of the Constitution to officials and political leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance. This initiative follows Rane’s public support for Ramgiri Maharaj, who recently faced backlash for derogatory comments about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad during public meetings in Ahmednagar district on September 1.
The controversy surrounding Rane intensified as multiple cases were filed against him in Maharashtra for his inflammatory remarks. Jaleel’s rally, intended to unite citizens against hate speech, comes at a time when communal tensions have escalated across the state.
Before embarking on the journey, Jaleel addressed the media, stating, “People who love their country and the rich culture of Maharashtra are joining me in this agitation. The state has forgotten the teachings of Phule, Shahu Maharaj, Ambedkar, and Shivaji Maharaj. We are going to Mumbai to remind the government of its responsibilities.”
Jaleel’s initial route through Gangapur and Vaijapur was altered due to anticipated opposition from pro-Hindutva groups, which he claimed were targeting the Muslim community. To ensure the rally proceeded without conflict, he opted for the Samruddhi Expressway, where supporters from Nanded joined him in significant numbers.
In a video message released prior to the rally, Jaleel called on citizens from various regions to participate, underscoring the importance of standing against communalism. “We must collectively safeguard our rights and culture,” he urged, reinforcing the need for solidarity among marginalized communities.
As Jaleel and his supporters made their way to Mumbai, the event drew attention not only for its political implications but also for its demonstration of grassroots mobilization against hate speech. The ‘Tiranga Samvidhan’ rally is positioned as a critical moment in Maharashtra’s political landscape, highlighting ongoing tensions between communities and the responsibilities of political leaders in fostering peace.
Jaleel’s actions reflect a growing sentiment among many in the state who believe that political discourse must remain respectful and inclusive. The AIMIM leader’s campaign aims to challenge what he perceives as a rise in communal rhetoric and to advocate for the rights of minority communities in the face of escalating polarization.
The outcomes of this rally and the subsequent interactions with government officials remain to be seen, but it has already sparked conversations about the necessity of a unified stance against hate speech in Maharashtra. As the situation unfolds, Jaleel’s call for justice resonates with many who seek to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution, aiming for a society that respects all its constituents.
