08 September,2026 02:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has backed the VHP’s call on Muslim entry to Navratri garba and dandiya events. File pic
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has backed the Vishva Hindu Parishad's call to restrict Muslims from attending Navratri garba and dandiya events in the state, alleging that incidents described by right-wing groups as "love jihad" increase during such festivals.
Speaking to PTI Videos on Monday, the BJP leader said organisers should conduct identity checks before allowing people to enter such events. He also suggested that attendees should recite the Hanuman Chalisa.
The VHP had last week announced that Muslims would not be allowed to enter garba and dandiya venues during Navratri and issued guidelines asking organisers to verify participants' identities through Aadhaar cards and apply tilak on their foreheads. Navratri begins on October 11.
Rane said people who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events and reiterated his support for the VHP's proposed restrictions.
The minister also spoke about the ongoing debate over the use of DJ sound systems during religious celebrations. He said restrictions on loud music 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," Rane said.
He claimed loud music had been played late into the night during recent Eid processions and said Hindus generally follow court directions and noise regulations.
Rane also criticised Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray over his reported comments concerning alleged vulgar dances during Kanwar Yatra events in parts of Uttar Pradesh. He questioned why criticism was being directed at Hindu practices while comments by Muslim clerics were, according to him, not being similarly discussed.
Rane further targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the "Chhatron ki Goonj" student outreach campaign, alleging that the initiative was aimed at maligning Hindu culture and Sanatan Dharma. He warned that voters would respond to the Congress in elections.
The minister also criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray in connection with the death of former celebrity manager Disha Salian. Rane questioned why Thackeray's lawyer had filed an intervention application before the court if the legislator had no connection with the matter.
The comments came after the Bombay High Court on September 2 ordered a CBI probe into Salian's death and criticised the Mumbai Police's handling of the case.
Rane said the CBI investigation would bring out all aspects of the matter.
(With inputs from PTI)
