Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane supports VHP’s Navratri entry restrictions
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has backed the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) call to restrict Muslims from attending Navratri garba and dandiya events in the state, claiming that alleged “love jihad” incidents increase during such festivals.
Speaking to PTI Videos on Monday, September 7, the BJP leader said organisers should verify the identities of people attending garba events and suggested that participants be asked to recite the Hanuman Chalisa before entry.
The VHP recently announced that Muslims would be barred from garba and dandiya venues across Maharashtra during Navratri, which begins on October 11. Its suggested guidelines include checking Aadhaar cards and applying tilak to participants to verify their Hindu identity.
Rane also called for uniform restrictions on DJ sound systems during religious celebrations. Responding to the debate over loudspeakers and DJs during the upcoming Ganesh festival, he said similar rules should apply to Eid processions if DJs are prohibited during Ganesh festivities.
The minister further criticised MNS chief Raj Thackeray over remarks concerning alleged vulgar dances during Kanwar Yatra events, arguing that Hindu religious practices were being singled out for criticism. He also attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the “Chhatron ki Goonj” campaign, accusing the Congress of targeting Hindu traditions.
Rane additionally raised the issue of Disha Salian’s death while targeting Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray. His comments came days after the Bombay High Court ordered the CBI to register an FIR and investigate Salian’s 2020 death. The court said the earlier police investigation raised more questions than answers, while making clear that nobody should be treated as an accused unless sufficient material emerges during the CBI probe.
The Bombay High Court’s September 2 order directed the CBI to examine all aspects surrounding the circumstances of Salian’s death and appoint a senior, experienced officer to conduct the investigation.
with inputs from PTI
