Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Garba Access Dispute Exposes Tensions Between BJP and VHP
A Hindu group called the VHP wants Muslims kept out of Garba and Dandiya celebrations in Maharashtra.
It says these events are part of a Hindu religious festival.
Amruta Fadnavis disagrees with excluding people because of their religion.
She says anyone should be able to attend peacefully.
Minister Nitesh Rane supported the VHP’s concerns about possible misuse of the events.
He later said Muslims could participate if their intentions were clean.
BJP leaders said the party is not calling for a ban.
They said safety and preventing trouble are their main concerns.
The disagreement has created tension between the VHP and some BJP-linked voices before Navratri.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad has demanded a complete ban on Muslims attending Garba and Dandiya events in Maharashtra.
VHP activists have urged organisers to verify attendees through Aadhaar cards and require red tilaks to establish Hindu identity.
Amruta Fadnavis said Garba should be inclusive and that peaceful participation should not depend on religion.
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane backed the VHP’s concerns about “love jihad” but later said Muslims could attend with clean intentions.
BJP leaders rejected a blanket ban, framing the issue around organisers’ choice, security and preventing disorder at events.
- Who
- The Vishva Hindu Parishad, Amruta Fadnavis, Nitesh Rane and BJP representatives are central to the dispute; Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has also criticized the government.
- What
- The dispute concerns whether Muslims should be allowed to attend Garba and Dandiya celebrations.
- When
- The controversy arose ahead of Navratri celebrations beginning on October 11.
- Where
- Maharashtra, at Garba and Dandiya events.
- Why
- The VHP cites the religious character of Navratri and alleged security and “love jihad” concerns, while supporters of open participation describe Garba as an inclusive cultural celebration.
Inclusive participation
Hindu-only participation
Who should be allowed to attend
Inclusive participation
Amruta Fadnavis and BJP spokesperson Navnath Ban said people should not be excluded solely because of their religion, provided they participate peacefully and do not create disorder.
Hindu-only participation
The VHP called for a complete ban on Muslims at Navratri celebrations, arguing that the events are Hindu religious festivals.
Reason for restrictions
Inclusive participation
BJP representatives said the concern should be security and preventing anyone from causing law-and-order problems, not a blanket religious ban.
Hindu-only participation
The VHP and Nitesh Rane cited alleged “love jihad” concerns and argued that Muslim participation could be used to target Hindu women.
Political handling
Inclusive participation
BJP figures said the VHP is separate from the BJP and that the party has not issued a call to bar Muslims; a strategist said the party did not want to appear discriminatory.
Hindu-only participation
The VHP said it has its own policies and stood by its demand regardless of the positions expressed by BJP leaders.
- VHP demand
- A complete ban on Muslims attending Navratri, Garba and Dandiya celebrations.
- Proposed checks
- VHP activists urged Aadhaar verification and red tilaks for participants.
- Amruta Fadnavis’s position
- She said peaceful participation should not be determined by religion.
- Nitesh Rane’s position
- He supported the VHP’s concerns but later said Muslims could attend with clean intentions.
- BJP position
- BJP representatives said they were not seeking a ban and emphasized security and law-and-order concerns.
- Congress response
- Vijay Wadettiwar welcomed Amruta Fadnavis’s remarks and asked whether Nitesh Rane would be removed as minister.