Amruta’s ‘Garba for all’ remark puts BJP in a bind as VHP insists on Muslim entry ban

Amruta's 'Garba for all' remark puts BJP in a bind as VHP insists on Muslim entry ban The VHP's position has been backed by Maharashtra Cabinet minister Nitesh Rane.

What happened

Meanwhile, the Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) call to bar Muslims from Garba and Dandiya celebrations in Maharashtra has opened a fresh faultline within the broader Hindutva camp, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' wife Amruta Fadnavis publicly taking a more inclusive position and BJP leaders seeking to soften the matter.

In practice, the controversy comes ahead of Navratri celebrations beginning on October 11. VHP activists are asking Garba and Dandiya event organisers to restrict the entry of Muslims to the venue and verify participants through Aadhaar cards. Organisers have additionally been called on to ensure that participants apply a red tilak on their foreheads as a means of establishing their Hindu identity.

The bottom line

For now, amruta's 'Garba for all' remark puts BJP in a bind as VHP remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.