VHP Wants Muslims Out, Amruta Fadnavis Backs Inclusion

 A major political and social controversy has erupted in Maharashtra over Muslim participation in Garba and Dandiya events during Navratri.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for Muslims to be kept out of Garba and Dandiya events and has urged organisers to verify the identities of participants. The organisation has also suggested measures including Aadhaar checks and tilak requirements at events. VHP says the festival is rooted in the worship of a Hindu goddess and argues that the sanctity of the religious celebration should be protected. The demand has triggered a political backlash. BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has supported the VHP's position, while Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has taken a different view, saying festivals should be inclusive and that she sees nothing wrong with a Muslim attending and enjoying Garba. Union minister Ramdas Athawale has also opposed the demand to exclude Muslims, arguing that people of different communities should be able to participate together in cultural events.