Mumbai Garba celebrations spark political row over Muslim entry

Political tensions have escalated in Mumbai's Borivali ahead of the Navratri festival regarding the participation of Muslim youth in Garba celebrations. BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay stated that Garba is a religious and social event that should not be a venue for ‘love jihad’. He proposed that Muslim men wishing to attend should do so accompanied by female relatives and must wear a tilak and participate in the worship of the Goddess to show reverence to Sanatan Dharma.

Former BJP MP Gopal Shetty offered a slightly different perspective, suggesting that Muslims should not have an objection to wearing a tilak, comparing it to how Hindu leaders might wear a cap during Eid celebrations to show respect. Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for identity verification at Garba and Dandiya events across Maharashtra.

Organizers of the Borivali event have announced that special security measures will be implemented, including the verification of Aadhaar cards for attendees. Opposition parties, including the Congress, the Uddhav Thackeray faction, and AIMIM, have criticized these stances, accusing the BJP of attempting to divide society on religious grounds.