'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 exchange

Rane 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?”

#WATCH | Mumbai: On Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane's statement that ' why those people who ask everyone to celebrate eco-friendly Diwali and Holi, don't ask Muslims to cut Bakra virtually and celebrate environment-friendly Bakrid, NCP-SCP leader Jitendra Awhad says, " He has… pic.twitter.com/zXvjrqUL4N

— ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2025

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: Why selective environmentalism?

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.

The exchange comes at a time when debates around the environment, religious sensitivity, and festival practices are once again taking center stage in Maharashtra politics .