Mumbai: Maharashtra BJP leader and Minister Nitesh Rane on Friday stirred controversy after claiming that he was elected due to votes by Hindus.

Speaking at a public event, Rane said, "The ones wearing round caps and beards did not vote for me. I have become an MLA with the votes of Hindus. If I do not support Hindus, will I support those who speak Urdu?... They are green snakes... The DNA of Mumbai is Hindu."

The statement has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with several users questioning the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for allowing its leaders to make remarks that could hurt religious sentiments.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, a non-cognisable offence is being filed against Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad in connection with the assault of a canteen worker at the MLA hostel, Mumbai Police said on Friday.

“The process to file the offence is underway at the Marine Drive police station,” a police official told PTI.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, sparked outrage after a video of the altercation went viral. In the footage, Gaikwad, a two-time MLA from Buldhana, is seen punching and slapping the canteen worker, allegedly over being served stale food.

Despite the backlash, Gaikwad has refused to express regret. “I would repeat my actions if needed,” he said.