Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Sunday questioned actor Aamir Khan's third marriage, linking it to the controversial concept of 'love jihad'. The term, often used by right-wing outfits, alleges a conspiracy by Muslim men to get women from other religions to convert to Islam through relationships and marriage.
Rane's Statement and Reaction
Speaking to reporters, Rane said, "Aamir Khan's third marriage raises serious questions. This is a clear case of love jihad. He has married a Hindu woman and converted her to Islam." The minister's comments come amid ongoing debates about interfaith marriages in India.
Rane, a BJP leader, has been vocal about his opposition to what he calls "love jihad" and has previously called for stricter laws against such marriages. He added, "The Maharashtra government is committed to protecting Hindu women from such conspiracies."
Aamir Khan's Marriages
Aamir Khan, 61, married his third wife, 37-year-old entrepreneur Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony in Mumbai earlier this month. Spratt, who was earlier married to a Hindu man, converted to Islam before the wedding. The actor's first marriage to Reena Dutta ended in divorce in 2002, and his second marriage to filmmaker Kiran Rao ended in 2021.
The actor has not responded to Rane's comments. However, his spokesperson dismissed the allegations as "baseless and politically motivated."
Political and Social Impact
Rane's remarks have sparked a political row. Opposition leaders accused him of targeting a Muslim celebrity for political gain. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, "This is a cheap attempt to divert attention from real issues. Love jihad is a bogey raised to polarize society."
Meanwhile, right-wing groups have welcomed Rane's statement. Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Pravin Togadia said, "We support the minister's stand. Such marriages are a threat to Hindu society."
The term 'love jihad' has been widely criticized by human rights groups and legal experts as a baseless conspiracy theory. Several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, have enacted laws against forced conversions, which critics say are used to harass interfaith couples.
