Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has backed the VHP’s call to bar Muslims from Navratri garba and dandiya events. His remarks have intensified a political and communal row over festival participation and identity checks.
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has backed the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s call to bar Muslims from Navratri garba and dandiya events in the state, claiming that cases of ‘love jihad’ tend to rise during such festivals. He said people attending these events should undergo identity checks and recite the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry.
In an interview with PTI Videos on Monday, the BJP leader also spoke on other issues, including restrictions on DJ sound systems during Ganesh festival celebrations, reported remarks by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on alleged vulgar dances during Kanwar Yatra events, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ campaign, and the Disha Salian death case.
‘Love jihad’ is a term used by right-wing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure women, mostly from the Hindu community, into relationships for religious conversion.
Last week, the VHP announced that Muslims would not be allowed entry to ‘garba’ and ‘dandiya’ venues across Maharashtra during the upcoming Navratri festival. It also issued ‘guidelines’ for organisers to verify participants’ identities by checking Aadhaar cards and applying ’tilak’ on their foreheads. Navratri will begin on October 11.
Rane said, “Those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events. Those coming for garba should show their identity and chant the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry,” while extending support to the VHP’s demand.
This story was originally published in indiatoday.in. Read the full story here.