Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has claimed that cases of alleged ‘love jihad’ tend to increase during festivals, while backing the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) demand to bar Muslims from Navratri ‘garba’ and ‘dandiya’ events.
‘Love jihad’ is a term used by right-wing groups to allege a conspiracy Muslim men to lure women, primarily from the Hindu community, into relationships with the aim of religious conversion.
In an interview with PTI, Rane said attendees at the religious festivities should undergo identity checks and recite the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry.
“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,” the BJP leader said.
Last week, the VHP decided to bar Muslims from taking part in ‘garba’ and ‘dandiya’ events during next month’s Navratri festival across Maharashtra. The organisation also issued “guidelines” for organisers to verify the religious identity of participants.
The measures include checking attendees’ Aadhaar cards and applying ‘tilak’ on their foreheads.
The organisation described the measures as precautionary steps aimed at protecting what it considers the cultural character of Hindu festivals.
The Navratri festival will begin on October 11.
Meanwhile, responding to demands to curb the use of DJ sound systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival, Rane said the rules should be applied uniformly to all religious processions.
“If DJs are not permitted during Ganesh festival celebrations, similar restrictions should apply to Eid processions as well,” he said.
