Maharashtra minister cites love jihad, backs VHP’s call to bar Muslims from Navratri events
Mangalore Today News Network
Mumbai, Sep 8, 2026: Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has backed the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) call to bar Muslims from participating in Navratri garba and dandiya events in the state, alleging that such gatherings have seen an increase in cases described by right-wing groups as “love jihad”.
In an interview with PTI Videos on Monday, Rane said organisers should verify the identities of participants and suggested that those attending the events be asked to recite the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry.
The VHP recently announced that Muslims would not be permitted to enter garba and dandiya venues across Maharashtra during the upcoming Navratri festival. It also issued guidelines asking organisers to verify participants’ identities through Aadhaar cards and apply tilak on their foreheads.
Navratri is scheduled to begin on October 11.
“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, supporting the VHP’s demand.
On calls to restrict DJ sound systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival, Rane said noise-related rules should be applied equally to religious processions of all communities.
“If DJs are not permitted during Ganesh festival celebrations, similar restrictions should apply to Eid processions as well,” he said, alleging that loud music was played late into the night during some recent Eid processions.
Rane also criticised Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over his reported remarks concerning alleged vulgar dances during Kanwar Yatra events in parts of Uttar Pradesh. He questioned why Hindu practices were being criticised while statements made by Muslim clerics were not subjected to similar scrutiny.
The minister alleged that attempts were being made to defame Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma.
Rane also criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ student outreach campaign, alleging that references to the Manusmriti and Hindu traditions were aimed at portraying Hindu culture negatively. He claimed that voters would respond to the Congress in the elections.
He further targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray in connection with the death of former celebrity manager Disha Salian, questioning why Thackeray’s lawyer had filed an intervention application before the court if the legislator had no connection with the case.
On September 2, the Bombay High Court ordered a CBI investigation into Salian’s death and criticised the Mumbai Police for failing to register an FIR for six years. The court observed that the police investigation “raises more questions than answers”.
Rane said he expected all aspects of the case to emerge during the CBI investigation.