Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Amruta Fadnavis Backs Inclusive Navratri Amid VHP Muslim Ban Call
Amruta Fadnavis said Navratri celebrations should welcome everyone.
She said Muslims should be able to enjoy Garba and Dandiya peacefully.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad wants Muslims restricted from some such events in Maharashtra.
It suggested checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilaks at entrances.
The VHP says these events are connected to worshipping a deity.
Minister Nitesh Rane supported the VHP and mentioned concerns about “love jihad.”
This has created a political disagreement in Maharashtra.
The state government has not officially said what it thinks.
Amruta Fadnavis said Muslims should be allowed to attend and enjoy Garba and Dandiya events.
Her remarks came after the Vishva Hindu Parishad called for restricting Muslim entry at Maharashtra celebrations.
The VHP proposed Aadhaar checks and tilak application to establish attendees’ Hindu identity.
The VHP said the events involve deity worship, while Nitesh Rane cited concerns about “love jihad.”
Navratri begins on October 11, and the Maharashtra government has not officially commented.
- Who
- Amruta Fadnavis, the Vishva Hindu Parishad, and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane are central to the dispute.
- What
- A disagreement has emerged over whether Muslims should be allowed to attend Garba and Dandiya events.
- When
- Amruta Fadnavis spoke on Wednesday night; Navratri begins on October 11.
- Where
- She made the remarks in Chandrapur, Maharashtra; the dispute concerns events across Maharashtra.
- Why
- The VHP cites the religious nature of the celebrations, while Rane cites concerns about “love jihad”; Fadnavis supports inclusive participation.
Inclusive celebrations
Restricted access
Who may attend
Inclusive celebrations
Amruta Fadnavis said people from any community or faith, including Muslims, should be able to attend and enjoy the events peacefully.
Restricted access
The VHP called for restricting Muslims from attending Garba and Dandiya events in Maharashtra.
Nature of the festival
Inclusive celebrations
Fadnavis described Garba and Dandiya as widely celebrated events, including internationally, and said she did not object to Muslim participation.
Restricted access
The VHP said the events are not only about food and dance but also involve worshipping a deity, which it said Muslims do not practice.
Reason for restrictions
Inclusive celebrations
Fadnavis said those opposing participation may have their reasons but said she had not studied the issue in depth.
Restricted access
Nitesh Rane argued that Garba and Dandiya venues could become centers for “love jihad” and said Hindutva activists should stop it.
- Inclusive view
- Amruta Fadnavis said anyone, including Muslims, should be able to attend and peacefully enjoy Garba and Dandiya.
- VHP position
- The Vishva Hindu Parishad called for restricting Muslim entry to Maharashtra Garba and Dandiya events.
- Proposed measures
- The VHP proposed Aadhaar checks at entry and applying tilaks to establish Hindu identity.
- Nitesh Rane’s position
- The cabinet minister backed the VHP’s call and referred to “love jihad” concerns.
- Festival start
- Navratri begins on October 11.
- Government response
- The Maharashtra government had not officially commented at the time of the report.