‘Wrong’: Narayan Rane Schools Son Nitesh Over ‘BJP Father Of All Parties’ Remark

Last Updated:June 11, 2025, 16:46 IST

Narayan Rane downplayed his son Nitesh's controversial remark calling BJP the "father" of all parties. Narayan emphasized the importance of serving people and coalition unity.

The remarks drew sharp reactions from within the ruling Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP. (Photos: ANI and X/Nitesh Rane)

Former Union minister and BJP MP Narayan Rane on Wednesday sought to downplay a controversial remark by his son and Maharashtra Cabinet member Nitesh and insisted it was wrong to use such words. 

Nitesh had said that the  BJP is the “father" of all parties", apparently implying the BJP’s superiority (‘baap’) over other parties.

“It was wrong to use the term ‘baap’ (implying superiority). I have told him so. Chief Minister of Maharashtra is no one’s father, but a servant of the people. Now, there is no controversy anymore. It is over," the Lok Sabha MP from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg in the Konkan region told reporters.

Recalling his own tenure as Maharashtra Chief Minister (in late 1990s), the senior Rane insisted, “I used to tell people not to call me ‘saheb’. I was here to serve people." 

What’s The Controversy?

The controversy began on June 7 when Nitesh Rane, speaking at a BJP workers’ meeting in Dharashiv in central Maharashtra, claimed the BJP was the “baap" (father) of all parties, referring to the saffron outfit’s dominant leadership at both national and state levels. He implied no matter how powerful others may seem, they should remember the BJP’s dominance reflected in the party holding the CM’s post in Maharashtra.

The remarks drew sharp reactions from within the ruling Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.

Shiv Sena MLA and Nitesh’s elder brother, Nilesh Rane, issued a public caution on June 8 via a post on X, urging him to speak with greater responsibility.

“Nitesh should be aware of what statements he is making. It is easy to address a public meeting, but you should know who you are actually benefiting from your speech," Nilesh Rane wrote, emphasising the importance of coalition unity.

However, he later deleted his tweet.

Fadnavis Reacts To Nitesh Rane’s Remark

Fadnavis, when asked about the remarks on the same day in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, said he had not heard them and reiterated his commitment to public service.

“I consider myself a servant of Maharashtra," he emphasised, steering clear of any direct reaction to Nitesh Rane’s comments.

Bawankule, speaking the same day, acknowledged that the use of the word “baap" had led to some disagreements, but sought to downplay the comments.

“There may have been some difference of opinion, but we are focused on unity and governance within the Mahayuti," he maintained.

Oppn Calls BJP Leader’s Remark ‘Undemocratic’

Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticised the comments with Shiv Sena (UBT) MP from Dharashiv, Omraje Nimbalkar, calling them undemocratic.

Nimbalkar claimed he had received more votes in the last Lok Sabha elections than Nitesh, Nilesh, and Narayan Rane combined, and warned the people of Maharashtra would respond appropriately.

(with PTI inputs)

News politics ‘Wrong’: Narayan Rane Schools Son Nitesh Over ‘BJP Father Of All Parties’ Remark