Mumbai, March 13 -- Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to "Talibanize" the state, saying that the party is using Minister Nitesh Rane to give "provocative statements" in line with their agenda.

The party's attack comes amidst repeated statements by Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane's statements being embroiled in controversy and drawing ire from opposition parties.

"Maharashtra has a glorious history of great saints and noble leaders. However, individuals with a particular ideology are deliberately spreading false information, distorting history, and polluting the social environment. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Swarajya by including warriors from all 18 castes. He n...