VHP bars Muslims from Hindu festival events across Maharashtra
Opposition condemns diktat as unconstitutional, divisive
Mumbai: The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), a Hindutvs organisation in India, has barred Muslims from participating in Garba and Dandiya events during next month’s Navratri festival across Maharashtra, sparking strong criticism from opposition parties.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the VHP has also issued “guidelines” to event organisers to verify the religious identity of participants, including checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilak on their foreheads.
The Navratri festival is scheduled to begin on October 11.
VHP spokesperson and joint secretary Shriraj Nair said the organisation had decided to prevent members of the Muslim community from attending Garba and Dandiya events.
Opposition leaders strongly condemned the move. Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut questioned whether RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had approved the VHP’s directive and urged the organisation to heed Bhagwat’s recent remarks in New York.
Congress MLA Amin Patel termed the proposed ban unconstitutional, saying participation in Navratri events should not be restricted on religious grounds.
NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto warned that the VHP’s diktat could disturb communal peace and harmony.
Patel said people from different communities traditionally participate in each other’s festivals as a gesture of goodwill, promoting communal harmony and social cohesion.
