VHP's Call to Bar Muslims From Navratri Events: Such Stand Against Constitution, Says Athawale

Athawale Opposes VHP's Navratri Stand

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday opposed the Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) call to bar Muslims from attending Garba and Dandiya events during Navratri in Maharashtra.

Speaking to reporters at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur during a day-long visit to Chhattisgarh, Athawale said excluding people from a festival based on their religion was not appropriate. He emphasised that India is governed by the Constitution, which guarantees equal rights to people belonging to different faiths.

‘Such Stand Is Against the Constitution’

Athawale said the Constitution drafted under the leadership of Dr B R Ambedkar provides justice and protection to people of all religions.

He pointed out that Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Lingayats, Parsis and members of other communities live in India and are protected by the constitutional framework.

The Union minister said it was not right to prevent Muslims from attending Garba celebrations and argued that people from different communities should come together and work for the country.

Athawale Calls for Interfaith Participation

Athawale stressed that India's social fabric allows people from different religions to participate in one another's festivals.

He cited the example of Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan, noting that a large number of Hindus visit the shrine. He used the example to argue that religious participation across communities has long been part of India's social and cultural landscape.

VHP Announces Restrictions for Navratri Events

The controversy follows the VHP's announcement that Muslims would not be allowed to enter Garba and Dandiya venues across Maharashtra during Navratri, which is scheduled to begin on October 11.

The organisation also issued guidelines for event organisers that included identity verification of participants. According to the Economic Times report, the guidelines called for checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilak to participants' foreheads.

The VHP's official website describes the organisation as being involved in activities related to Hindu society, social harmony and service initiatives.

Nitesh Rane Backs VHP Position

Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has supported the VHP's position.

Rane argued that restrictions were necessary to prevent what he described as "love jihad" during festivals. He also backed identity checks at Garba venues and suggested that attendees should recite the Hanuman Chalisa before entering.

The comments have added a political dimension to the debate over who should be allowed to participate in public religious and cultural events.

Athawale Calls for Hindu-Muslim Unity

Athawale, who heads the Republican Party of India (A), said Hindu and Muslim communities should work together for the country's development.

His remarks come amid a wider debate over religious participation in public festivals and the balance between organisers' rights, community traditions and constitutional principles.

The minister's position directly contrasts with the VHP's proposed restrictions and comes as political leaders continue to debate the issue ahead of the Navratri celebrations.

Political Debate Over Navratri Events

The disagreement highlights differing approaches within the broader political landscape. While the VHP and some political leaders have called for restrictions based on religious identity, Athawale has argued that such exclusion is inconsistent with India's constitutional framework.

The issue is likely to remain politically sensitive as Maharashtra prepares for the upcoming Navratri season.