Maharashtra leaders clash over VHP call to bar Muslims from Navratri events

Indian political leaders are divided over a call by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) to prohibit Muslims from participating in Navratri Garba and Dandiya celebrations in Maharashtra.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, head of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), opposed the VHP's stance, stating that excluding citizens from cultural events based on faith is unconstitutional. Athawale emphasized that India is governed by a Constitution that guarantees equal rights and called for different religious communities to work together.

Conversely, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Nitesh Rane endorsed the VHP's demand. Rane cited concerns regarding “love jihad” and argued that those who do not practice idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events. He supported measures for organizers to conduct mandatory identity checks using Aadhaar cards and suggested that participants should chant the Hanuman Chalisa to gain entry.