BJP Leader Nitesh Rane Attends Kanwar Yatra in Mumbra Amid Opposition

A major political controversy erupted in Mumbra on Sunday following the participation of BJP leader Nitesh Rane in an annual Kanwar Yatra. The religious procession, jointly organised by the Mumbreshwar Devi Temple and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), drew a large gathering of Lord Shiva devotees and turned into a political flashpoint following Rane's visit and statements.

Prior to Rane's arrival in the locality, AIMIM corporator and district president Saif Pathan formally submitted a letter to the Mumbra police requesting a ban on the leader's entry. Pathan expressed concern that Rane's presence could disturb local communal harmony and peace in the area. Despite the opposition and security concerns, Rane attended the procession as scheduled.

Addressing the devotees, Rane declared, "I have stepped into Mumbra," and appealed to refer to the area as "Mumbra Devi" instead.

"This is a Hindu Rashtra, and the Hindu community has no reason to fear. The Mumbra Devi region was saffron in the past, remains saffron today, and will remain saffron in the future," Rane stated during his address. He also urged devotees not to back down out of fear, assuring them that with a pro-Hindutva government in power, he would personally stand by anyone facing threats.

The 10-kilometre Yatra, an annual tradition held for the past eight years, commenced from the Gaushala cow shelter at the Mumbreshwar Temple and concluded at the Khirkelewar Temple. Thousands of pilgrims took part in the march, chanting "Har Har Mahadev" before performing the Jalabhishekar water offering to Lord Shiva. Law enforcement authorities maintained heightened vigilance throughout the procession route to prevent any untoward incidents.