Mumbai, Sep 9 (PTI) Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has said festivals are inclusive and there is nothing wrong if a Muslim person attends the celebrations, even as BJP leader Nitesh Rane has backed VHP’s call to bar Muslims from Navratri events.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) last week announced that Muslims would not be allowed entry to ‘garba’ and ‘dandiya’ venues across the state during the Navratri festival, which begins on October 11.
State minister Nitesh Rane on Monday supported the VHP, alleging that “love jihad” cases tend to increase during such festivals and asserting that those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events.
Asked about Rane’s comments, Amruta Fadnavis said she believed the festival was meant to include everyone.
“If a Muslim person also comes there and enjoys the festival properly, I do not see anything wrong in it,” she told reporters.
The VHP has issued “guidelines” for organisers to verify participants’ identities during Navratri ‘garba’ and ‘dandiya’ events by checking their Aadhaar cards and applying ’tilak’ on their foreheads.
Rane alleged that cases of “love jihad” tend to increase during such festivals and said attendees should undergo identity checks and recite the Hanuman Chalisa before entry.
Love jihad’ is a term used by right-wing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure women (mostly from the Hindu community) into relationships for religious conversion. PTI MR GK
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