In a statement to ANI, Rane asserted that there is “no distinction whatsoever between Osama bin Laden and Asaduddin Owaisi,” alleging that the actions previously associated with Al-Qaeda’s founder are now being mirrored by Owaisi through AIMIM.
“AIMIM is a terrorist organization. There is no distinction whatsoever between Osama bin Laden and Asaduddin Owaisi. The exact activities that Osama bin Laden executed through Al-Qaeda are now being performed by Asaduddin Owaisi via AIMIM,” he conveyed to reporters.
#WATCH | Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane states, “AIMIM is a terrorist organization. There is no distinction whatsoever between Osama bin Laden and Asaduddin Owaisi. The exact activities that Osama bin Laden executed through Al-Qaeda are now being performed by Asaduddin Owaisi… pic.twitter.com/zjEf6ZL3aX
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2026
He further criticized the party’s achievements since obtaining public office, claiming that AIMIM’s manifesto is solely aimed at ‘promoting Jihad’.
“What substantial work have they really completed since being elected? Their manifesto outlines only one agenda: waging Jihad,” he remarked.
Rane also likened AIMIM to the prohibited Popular Front of India (PFI), demanding similar action against the organization. “Just as we prohibited the PFI, AIMIM should also be banned,” he stated.
In response to Rane’s comments, AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan accused him of inciting hatred and escalating communal tensions. “Who are they to make such assertions? We urge the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to remove him immediately,” he said.
#WATCH | Mumbai | Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane labels AIMIM a “terrorist organization,” to which AIMIM leader Waris Pathan replies, “Is it fitting for a minister to use such language? Who grants him the authority to say such things? Maharashtra CM should take note of this. When the… pic.twitter.com/VQDM4yfW7B
— ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2026
Rane’s declaration of “AIMIM as a terrorist organization” arose amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Nashik TCS case involving religious coercion and allegations of sexual harassment linked to accused Nida Khan.
Numerous employees at a TCS-affiliated BPO in Nashik accused some colleagues and senior staff, including Nida Khan from HR, of sexual harassment and mental intimidation, as well as compelling employees to adopt Islamic practices.
The situation escalated after allegations emerged that Mateen Majid Patel, an AIMIM corporator, had allegedly harbored Khan while she was evading capture. Authorities arrested several individuals implicated in the case, while Khan was taken into custody after allegedly being untraceable for about 25 days.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis indicated that the investigation is ongoing. “It is evident that the AIMIM corporator (Mateen Majid Patel) played a role in hiding Nida Khan. We will uncover who is behind all this. Are they involved in a conversion racket? We will find out,” he stated.
