Salman Khan 'More Hindu' Than Uddhav Thackeray: Maharashtra BJP Minister Nitesh Rane

Mumbai: MaharashtraBJPminister Nitesh Rane on Tuesday slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, claiming actor Salman Khan was "more Hindu" than him, amid a row over the superstar's presence at an RSS event in Mumbai. Experience a more refined e-paper today Khan was among a host of Bollywood celebrities who took part in the event where Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a speech. The programme at Nehru Centre over the last weekend was organised as part of the RSS' centenary celebrations. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, a close aide of Thackeray, had taken potshots at the popular actor for attending the RSS event. Responding to a journalist's question on Tuesday, BJP minister Rane praised Khan and hit out at Thackeray, his political bete noire. "Salman Khan is more Hindu than Uddhav Thackeray. It needs to be checked whether Uddhav Thackeray is actually Hindu or not. Salman Khan at least had the courage to attend the RSS chief's programme. Will Uddhav Thackeray ever show the courage to stand before (Congress MP) Rahul Gandhi or even refer to his own father Balasaheb Thackeray as 'Hinduhhriday Samrat'?" he asked. The Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress are constituents of the Opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the state. The RSS event saw the participation of several artists, sportspersons and eminent personalities. Khan's presence at the event drew criticism from some quarters, while others praised him, triggering a political debate.