Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has claimed that the presence of Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas staying illegally in India poses a major security concern and is part of an attempt to Islamize society.
The BJP leader further stated that illegal immigrants should not be allowed to remain in India.
"Illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas staying here are a major security concern. It is an attempt to Islamize our society. Past experiences show this is a serious threat to Mumbai and the country. It is an attempt to take control of the city or the state," Rane told reporters on Wednesday.
He added that BJP leaders, including Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Kirit Somaiya, were working to protect Mumbai's interests. Illegal immigrants should not be allowed to stay in India and should be "deported" to Pakistan and Bangladesh, the minister said.
"We do not want such people here. Countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh serve as suitable places for them. It is better to send them there. Not a single Bangladeshi or Rohingya should remain," he added.
Reacting to NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule's remarks criticizing the dress code at Siddhivinayak Temple, Rane accused her of being opposed to Hindutva.
"Sule is allergic to Hindutva. The reaction was bound to be that way. Has Sule ever spoken on the radicalisation of Muslims, dress codes in mosques, atrocities on women or how Hindu women's lives are being ruined? Has she ever spoken on any of these topics? Their favourite topic is the hate against Hindus. Sule and other MVA leaders are like that," he claimed. Rane expressed his support for the decision by the Siddhivinayak Temple trust to bar short skirts and other revealing attire from its premises.