Mumbai, May 11 -- Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane courted controversy calling for a ban on All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), terming it a "terrorist organisation" and drawing parallels with the banned Popular Front of India (PFI).

Speaking to reporters, Rane alleged that there was "no difference" between slain Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, while questioning the party's contributions since its formation.

"AIMIM is a terrorist organisation. There is no difference whatsoever between Osama bin Laden and Asaduddin Owaisi. The very work that Osama bin Laden used to carry out through Al-Qaeda is precisely what Asaduddin Owaisi is now doing through AIMIM... What significant work have they ac...