Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday, September 9, opposed the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s call to prevent Muslims from attending Garba and Dandiya events during Navratri in Maharashtra.
Athawale said excluding people from religious or cultural events based on their faith goes against the Constitution, which guarantees equal rights to citizens of different religions.
Athawale Calls VHP Stand Unconstitutional
Speaking to reporters at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, Athawale said India is governed by the Constitution and referred to its commitment to protecting people of different faiths.
“I feel this stand is not right because India runs on the Constitution,” he said. “It is not good to say that Muslims should not attend garba.”
Athawale, who heads the Republican Party of India (Athawale), said Hindus and Muslims should work together for the country.
“Hindu and Muslim communities need to come together and work for the country,” he said.
He also cited the example of Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan, where people from different religious backgrounds visit the shrine.
“Our country is such that people of all religions should participate in each other’s festivals. We oppose those taking such a stand. Such a stand is against the Constitution,” Athawale said.
VHP Calls for Identity Checks
The VHP recently announced that Muslims would not be allowed to participate in Garba and Dandiya events across Maharashtra during Navratri.
The organisation has also issued guidelines asking event organisers to verify attendees through Aadhaar cards and apply tilak on their foreheads.
VHP national spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair defended the decision, saying the organisation did not want Muslims participating in Garba and Dandiya celebrations.
Nair argued that Navratri is a religious festival centred on worship of the goddess and questioned why Muslims who do not follow idol worship should participate.
The VHP has maintained that its position is not directed against any community and said it supports social harmony and peace.
Nitesh Rane Backs VHP
Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has supported the VHP’s position.
Rane alleged that cases of “love jihad” increase during festival seasons and backed identity checks for people attending Garba events.
Athawale, however, rejected the call to exclude Muslims and said India’s constitutional framework protects people of all religions.
Navratri celebrations in Maharashtra are scheduled to begin in October, with Garba and Dandiya events expected to be held across the state.
