New Delhi, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Opposition leaders on Sunday criticised the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) over its call to bar Muslims from participating in Garba and Dandiya events in Maharashtra, with some also taking a swipe at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat over his recent remarks in the US.
The VHP has called for a ban on Muslim participation in Garba and Dandiya events in the state and urged organisers to verify the Hindu identity of participants.
The move drew criticism in the Opposition, with RJD MP Manoj Jha linking it to Bhagwat’s recent comments at the “One World, One Humanity” faith leaders’ conference in New York. Bhagwat had said that a Hindu who believes Muslims should have no place in India ceases to be a Hindu, while stressing the dignity of every human being.
Speaking to IANS, Jha criticised the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying it appeared that governance had been “outsourced” to the VHP.
Referring to Bhagwat’s New York remarks, Jha said the RSS chief had “probably” left some of his “luggage” in America, along with the views he expressed there, and urged him to bring them back and communicate them to those associated with his organisation.
“Please don’t mess with the character of this country,” Jha said.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also questioned the VHP’s position, saying there was no basis for preventing Muslims from participating in Garba, which he described as part of the country’s cultural tradition.
Raut said Muslims had also contributed significantly to India’s freedom struggle and cultural history. Referring to Bhagwat’s remarks in New York, he said the RSS chief had spoken about the need to avoid differences between Hindus and Muslims in India.
Raut urged Bhagwat to comment on the VHP’s stand, saying that giving one kind of statement in India and another abroad would not work.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy also opposed the VHP’s move, calling it “completely communal”. He said Garba was a cultural festival and that everyone should be allowed to participate.
The controversy comes ahead of the Navratri festive season, when Garba and Dandiya events are held across Maharashtra and other parts of the country.
FOLLOW NOW
