Maharashtra politician Nitesh Rane has ignited a fresh controversy by questioning the selective outrage of environmental activists. His remarks target those protesting the planned felling of over 1,700 trees in Nashik for the Kumbh Mela, while seemingly remaining silent on animal slaughter during Islamic festivals.
The Core of the Controversy
The row erupted against the backdrop of significant civic plans in Nashik. The Nashik Municipal Corporation has proposed cutting down more than 1,700 trees in the Tapovan area. This drastic measure is to facilitate the construction of a 'Sadhu Gram' – a dedicated settlement for religious seers and leaders – ahead of the grand Kumbh Mela scheduled to begin in October 2026.
This proposal has naturally drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups and civil society members, who are protesting the potential loss of a large green cover for a temporary event setup.
Rane's Provocative Query on Social Media
Amid these protests, Nitesh Rane, a prominent political figure, took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on December 4, 2025, to voice a pointed question. In a post that has since gone viral, he directly challenged the environmentalists involved in the Tapovan tree campaign.
Rane's tweet, loosely translated, asked: "Environmentalists who are worried about the trees in Tapovan... are never seen opposing goat slaughter during Eid.. So why stay quiet now? Equal respect for all religions?" This comparison between the felling of trees for a Hindu religious event and the ritual sacrifice of animals during Eid-ul-Adha has become the flashpoint of the debate.
Analyzing the Fallout and Implications
Rane's comments have successfully shifted the discourse, adding a layer of religious and ethical comparison to an otherwise environmental issue. Critics accuse him of employing whataboutery – a tactic of deflecting criticism by raising a different issue – and of needlessly communalizing a matter of ecological concern.
Supporters, however, see his question as highlighting a perceived double standard in activism. The central query remains whether protest movements apply consistent principles across different cultural and religious contexts, or if their outrage is selectively focused.
The controversy puts the spotlight back on the Nashik civic body's ambitious plan for the 2026 Kumbh Mela. Authorities must now navigate not only the logistical and environmental challenges of preparing for one of the world's largest religious gatherings but also the heated political and social debate that has erupted around it.
