State minister Nitesh Rane on Monday supported the VHP, alleging that 'love jihad' cases tend to increase during such festivals and asserting that those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events

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