A political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma made remarks about Muslim participation in Garba events during Navratri.
Speaking at a public event in Bhopal, Sharma questioned why Muslim men should attend Garba alone and said they should bring their sisters and daughters as well, adding that “our boys are ready.”
‘Bring Your Sisters and Daughters’
Sharma said Muslims were welcome to attend Garba but suggested they should come with their families. He also said that those attending could come “permanently,” apply a tilak and chant “Jai Shri Ram,” while referring to cow protection.
His comments were made amid a wider debate in Madhya Pradesh and other parts of India over the participation of Muslims in Garba and Dandiya events during Navratri.
‘Our Boys Are Ready’ Comment
The part of Sharma’s remarks involving Muslim men bringing their female family members has drawn particular attention.
Reports quoting the video say Sharma questioned why only young Muslim men wanted to attend Garba and asked them to bring their sisters and daughters, followed by the statement that “our boys” were ready.
The Hindi phrase “हमारे छोरे भी तैयार हैं” means “our boys are ready”; some social-media translations have rendered chhore as “horses,” which is not the intended meaning in this context.
Opposition Criticises Remarks
Congress MLA Arif Masood criticised Sharma's comments, saying the language could disturb the atmosphere around a religious and cultural festival. The controversy has brought renewed political debate over religious participation at Garba events.
The remarks come as several Garba organisers and political figures in different parts of India have been discussing rules and identity checks for participants during Navratri.
Debate Continues Ahead of Navratri
Sharma’s comments have added to the ongoing discussion over who can participate in Garba celebrations and what conditions, if any, should apply. The controversy is currently centred on his remarks and the political reactions to them, while Garba organisers in different locations continue to set their own event-specific rules.