VHP's Call To Ban Muslims From Garba Events Divides NDA: Amruta Fadnavis, Athawale Oppose, Nitesh Rane Backs Move

Vishwa Hindu Parishad's (VHP) call for a ban on Muslims from entering 'garba' events during the Navratri festival has divided NDA leaders, as Maharashtra Chief Minister's wife Amruta Fadnavis and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale have objected to it while BJP leader Nitesh Rane has weighed in behind it with his support.

Reacting to the call, Amruta stressed that the festivals are inclusive and there is nothing wrong with Muslims attending the celebrations. "If a Muslim person also comes there and enjoys the festival properly, I do not see anything wrong in it,” Amruta Fadnavis told reporters.

Similarly, Athawale too opposed the call, saying that the country is governed by the Constitution and such a stand is not appropriate.

Athawale, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in Modi Cabinet, said, "I feel this stand is not right because India runs on the Constitution. The Constitution given by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar ensures justice to all religions. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Lingayats, Parsis and people of several other faiths live in India, and the Constitution seeks to protect all religions."

ALSO READ: Receptionist Slapped, Entered ICU: Shiv Sena Members Assault Palghar Hospital Staff Over Govinda Medical Bills | On Cam

"It is not good to say that Muslims should not attend garba. Hindu and Muslim communities need to come together and work for the country," said the Republican Party of India (A) leader.

Nitesh Rane advocates for ban, Sanjay Raut jabs Amruta Fadnavis

BJP leader Nitesh Rane, however, backed the call. While talking to news agency PTI, Rane said those attending garba events should undergo identity verification and chant the Hanuman Chalisa at the entry.

"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," Rane said. He alleged the cases of 'love jihad' tend to increase during such festivals.

Reacting to Amruta Fadnavis's remarks, Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut asked her to counsel his husband, the state CM. "I welcome Amruta Fadnavis's stance; she should counsel Devendra Fadnavis on this; Hindutva is inclusive," he said.

What did VHP say?

The VHP on Tuesday announced that Muslims would not be allowed to participate in garba and dandiya events across Maharashtra during the festival of Navratri.

ALSO READ: 'Bar Muslims, Check IDs': VHP Issues Guidelines For Garba, Dandiya Events In Maharashtra

The outfit also issued guidelines for the organisers to verify the Hindu identity of participants. These guidelines include checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilaks on the foreheads of those entering the event.

VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said, "We have taken a decision not to allow participation of Muslims in garba-dandiya dance during the Navratri festival."