Special Correspondent
Dapoli : In a controversial statement, BJP leader and Maharashtra’s Minister for Fisheries and Ports Development, Nitesh Rane, urged Hindus to inquire about a shopkeeper’s religion before making any purchase. Speaking at a public meeting in Dapoli, Ratnagiri district, Rane further suggested that buyers should ask the shopkeeper to recite the Hanuman Chalisa to confirm their faith. If the shopkeeper fails to do so, people should refrain from buying from them, he said.
Expressing anger over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Rane stated, “Before killing the victims, the terrorists asked them their religion. Therefore, Hindus should also ask the shopkeeper’s religion before buying anything. If they (terrorists) can kill after asking about our religion, then we have every right to ask about theirs before engaging in any transaction.”
Rane acknowledged that some shopkeepers might lie about their religion. To address this, he advised, “When you go shopping, ask the shopkeeper about his religion. If they claim to be Hindu, ask them to recite the Hanuman Chalisa. If they cannot, do not buy from them.”
Referring to the tragic Pahalgam attack that occurred on April 22, where 26 tourists lost their lives, Rane cited eyewitness accounts stating that the terrorists asked victims their names and religions before shooting. Some were reportedly forced to recite religious verses, and those who could not were killed, according to these reports.
