Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, on Wednesday opposed the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) call to bar Muslims from participating in garba and dandiya events across the state during Navratri, during an interaction with the media.

She opined that festivals are inclusive and there is nothing wrong with Muslims joining the celebrations. 

She made the remarks days after the VHP decided to bar members of the Muslim community from garba and dandiya events. She said before reporters, “If a Muslim person also comes there and enjoys the festival properly, I do not see anything wrong in it.”

Notably, the VHP’s announcement drew support from Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane, who alleged that instances of ‘Love Jihad’ tend to spike during religious festivals. 

Actor Shreyas Talpade also called out the proposed restrictions, saying people have traditionally celebrated festivals together. Talpade said, “We have been enjoying all festivals together for so many years... I have always enjoyed every festival to the fullest, and I will continue to do so.” 

Rane backs VHP’s call

Rane, in an interview with PTI videos on Monday, backed the VHP’s decision and called for identity verification at garba events. He said attendees of garba and dandiya events must produce their identity documents and must also chant the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry. 

Rane remarked, “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.” 

Furthermore, he called for uniform enforcement of rules governing the use of loudspeakers and DJs during religious processions. He asserted, “If DJs are not permitted during Ganesh festival celebrations, similar restrictions should apply to Eid processions as well.” 

What did VHP say?

The VHP has announced that Muslims shall not be allowed to participate in garba and dandiya events during Navratri across Maharashtra. It has also issued a set of guidelines asking organisers to verify participants’ Hindu identity, including checking Aadhar cards and applying Tilak on their foreheads. 

VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the outfit had decided against allowing Muslims to participate in the events. 

Nair said, “Navratri is not just about songs and dance. The festival is about worshipping the Goddess. Why should Muslims, who are against idol worship, participate in the festival?” Nair said.

He maintained that the restrictions were precautionary measures aimed at shielding what the organisation considers the cultural character of Hindu festivals, rather than a move directed against any particular community.