Hindutva Groups Demand Ban on Muslim Entry During Navratri

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has publicly backed the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) call to ban Muslims from participating in Navratri Garba and Dandiya events across the state. Mr Rane claimed that so-called “love jihad” incidents increase during the festival season and said visitors’ identity cards should be checked before they are allowed to enter Garba venues.

Mr Rane said people coming to attend Garba events must verify their identities and comply with religious requirements before entering the premises. “Those who do not believe in idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious ceremonies,” he said, adding that everyone must show an identity card and recite the Hanuman Chalisa before entering Garba events.

Earlier, the VHP had issued guidelines for Navratri organisers, calling for participants’ identities to be verified through Aadhaar cards. It also advised organisers to apply tilak on the foreheads of visitors at the entrance to prevent people of other religions from entering.

Mr Rane also spoke about restrictions on the use of loudspeakers and DJ sound systems at religious festivals. He argued that noise-pollution rules should apply equally to all communities. Referring to restrictions on DJ systems during Ganesh Puja, he said the same rules should be enforced during Eid processions.

“If DJ systems are not allowed during Ganesh festivals, similar restrictions should also apply to Eid processions,” Mr Rane said. He alleged that loud music was played until late at night during recent Eid processions, while Hindu festivals comply with court-mandated noise regulations.

Mr Rane also strongly criticised Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray’s comments regarding the Kanwar Yatra in Uttar Pradesh. He questioned why Hindu religious traditions are repeatedly subjected to restrictions while controversial remarks by Muslim religious leaders are not discussed in the same manner.

Mr Rane criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s student outreach programme, “Chhatron Ki Goonj,” alleging that it is primarily aimed at insulting the Manusmriti and Hindu traditions. “Chhatron Ki Goonj is being organised to tarnish Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma,” he said, adding that voters would give Congress an appropriate response in the next election.

The minister also targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray over the investigation into the death of late entertainment manager Disha Salian. Referring to a Bombay High Court order concerning the CBI investigation, Rane questioned why Aaditya Thackeray’s lawyer filed an intervention application if Thackeray had no involvement whatsoever in the Disha Salian case.

Mr Rane said the investigation concerns serious allegations, including gang rape and murder. He expressed hope that the truth would emerge through the CBI investigation.