Mumbai: Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Nitesh Rane has publicly endorsed the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) call to prohibit Muslims from attending Navratri ‘garba’ and ‘dandiya’ celebrations across the state, claiming that instances of “love jihad” surge during festival seasons.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader asserted that organisers should strictly check the identity of every participant and enforce mandatory religious recitations at entry points.

“Those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events. Those coming for garba should show their identity and chant the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry,” Rane said, backing the VHP's demand.
 

The VHP previously announced guidelines for Navratri organisers ahead of the festival, instructing venue managers to verify attendees using their Aadhaar cards and apply ‘tilak’ to participants' foreheads to prevent non-Hindus from entering.

Demand for uniform sound rules

Reflecting on local governance and festival regulations, Rane addressed ongoing calls to restrict DJ sound systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival, insisting that noise regulations must be enforced impartially across all religious communities.

“If DJs are not permitted during Ganesh festival celebrations, similar restrictions should apply to Eid processions as well,” he argued, claiming that loud music was played late into the night during recent Eid processions while Hindu celebrations consistently adhere to judicial orders and noise standards.

Attacks on Opposition leaders

Rane further directed sharp criticism at Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over reported comments regarding ‘Kanwar Yatra’ events in Uttar Pradesh. He questioned why Hindu traditions face scrutiny while statements by Muslim clerics are routinely overlooked, alleging that certain groups are attempting to defame Hindu religion and Sanatan Dharma.

Turning his focus to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ student outreach campaign, Rane alleged that the initiative targets Manusmriti and Hindu customs solely to malign traditional culture, adding, “Chhatron ki Goonj is being held to defame Hindus and Sanatan Dharma. People will teach them (Congress) a lesson in the elections.”

Comments on the Disha Salian investigation

Lastly, the Minister targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray regarding the death of former celebrity manager Disha Salian. Pointing to the Bombay High Court's order directing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case, Rane questioned why Thackeray's legal representative had filed an intervention application before the court if the legislator possessed no connection to the incident.

Asserting that the matter centers on the gangrape and murder of a woman rather than political maneuvering, Rane expressed confidence that the CBI investigation would bring all facts to light.

PTI