‘Next, he’ll ask us to eat virtually’: Jitendra Awhad mocks Nitesh Rane’s comment on eco-friendly Bakrid

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane stirred controversy with his remarks questioning why those advocating eco-friendly Diwali and Holi do not ask Muslims to perform virtual sacrifices on Bakrid. In response, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) leader Jitendra Awhad hit back sharply, mocking Rane’s suggestion.“He has become a very technologically advanced minister of Maharashtra. It’s a good thought. Tomorrow, he will ask everyone to have food also virtually... let’s prepare to eat food also virtually,” Awhad said in a sarcastic tone while speaking to reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday.Rane’s remark sparks political exchangeRane had earlier said, “Why do those people who constantly ask everyone to celebrate eco-friendly Diwali and Holi remain silent on Bakrid? Why don’t they ask Muslims to cut Bakra virtually and celebrate environment-friendly Bakrid?”His comment drew strong reactions from opposition leaders and civil society groups, who accused him of targeting a particular community and stoking religious tensions.Awhad’s sarcastic rebuttal questioned the logic behind applying virtual or eco-friendly norms selectively to festivals. “If he wants to go virtual, why stop at Bakrid? Let’s all eat and live virtually,” he quipped.