Amid ongoing controversy regarding the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) call to exclude Muslims from garba and dandiya events in Maharashtra, Amruta Fadnavis, the wife of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has publicly stated her support for inclusivity in festivals. She emphasized that there is nothing wrong with Muslims participating in these celebrations, highlighting the importance of diversity and unity during festive occasions.
The VHP has announced that Muslims would be barred from participating in garba and dandiya events during Navratri across Maharashtra. Rane, in an exclusive interview to PTI Videos on Monday, supported the VHP’s decision and said those attending garba events should undergo identity verification and chant the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry. “Those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events. It also issued guidelines for organisers to verify the Hindu identity of participants.
Her remarks come days after the VHP announced that Muslims would not be allowed to participate in garba and dandiya events across the state during Navratri, which begins on October 11.
Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has backed the VHP’s call, alleging that cases of “love jihad” tend to increase during such festivals, news agency PTI reported. Those coming for garba should show their identity and chant the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry,” Rane said. Rane also said rules governing the use of sound systems, popularly called DJs, should be applied uniformly to religious processions. “If DJs are not permitted during Ganesh festival celebrations, similar restrictions should apply to Eid processions as well,” he said.
