Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has backed the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s call to restrict Muslims from attending Navratri garba and dandiya events across the state.
Rane claimed that cases of what he described as “love jihad” increase during festival seasons and called for identity checks at garba venues.
Rane Calls for Identity Checks
Rane said people attending garba events should be required to prove their identity and follow religious requirements before being allowed inside.
“Those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events,” Rane said. He added that those attending garba should show their identity and chant the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry.
The VHP had earlier issued guidelines for Navratri organisers, asking them to verify the identity of participants using Aadhaar cards. It also suggested applying tilak to attendees to prevent people from other religions from entering the venues.
Rane Raises Noise Rules During Festivals
Rane also spoke about restrictions on loudspeakers and DJ systems during religious festivals.
He argued that noise restrictions should apply equally to all communities. Referring to restrictions on DJ systems during Ganesh celebrations, he said similar rules should apply to Eid processions.
“If DJs are not permitted during Ganesh festival celebrations, similar restrictions should apply to Eid processions as well,” Rane said.
He claimed that loud music continued late into the night during recent Eid processions, while Hindu festivals followed court mandated noise restrictions.
Rane Attacks Opposition Leaders
Rane also criticised Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray over his reported comments concerning Kanwar Yatra events in Uttar Pradesh.
He questioned why Hindu religious traditions were allegedly subjected to scrutiny while comments by Muslim clerics were not given similar attention.
Rane also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” student outreach campaign, alleging that it was aimed at criticising Manusmriti and Hindu traditions.
“Chhatron Ki Goonj is being held to defame Hindus and Sanatan Dharma,” Rane said, adding that voters would respond to the Congress in the elections.
Rane Comments on Disha Salian Case
The minister also targeted Shiv Sena UBT MLA Aaditya Thackeray over the investigation into the death of former celebrity manager Disha Salian.
Rane referred to a Bombay High Court order concerning a CBI investigation and questioned why Thackeray’s lawyer had filed an intervention application if the MLA had no connection with the matter.
Rane said the investigation concerned allegations of gangrape and murder and expressed confidence that the CBI probe would establish the facts.
This version keeps Rane’s allegations and political claims attributed rather than presenting them as established facts.
