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BJP MP Alok Sharma issued a warning against the participation of non-Hindus in Garba events during Navratri, saying that “Love Jihadis” won’t be spared.
Bhopal BJP MP Alok Sharma. (PTI)
Alok Sharma, the BJP MP from Bhopal, stirred a controversy by issuing a warning against the participation of non-Hindus in Garba events during Navratri celebrations in Madhya Pradesh.
A video went viral on Wednesday showing Sharma telling reporters that “Love Jihadis” will not be allowed to enter Navratri pandals. “Jo jis dharam ko manta hai, usko apna tyohar manane ka adhikar hai. (Whoever follows a religion has the right to celebrate their own festival.)
He said that Love Jihadis “will not be spared” in Mohan Yadav’s BJP-led state government in Madhya Pradesh. “Those who plan to enter pandals with tilak, sacred threads and saffron scarves, to deceive us would not be spared,” he said, warning of strict action.
“If they make a mistake, even their houses are being demolished, and such criminals are not coming out of jails. Now, their places will only be in jails, and they will never come out,” he added.
ID Verification At Garba Pandals?
He also urged organisers to remain vigilant during Garba events, calling them a “sacred Sanatani tradition.” Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Vishwas Sarang also reiterated that non-Hindus should not be permitted inside the Garba pandals.
“Navratri is a devotional event centred on Goddess Durga’s worship. Those who have no faith in this tradition should not attend,” he was quoted as saying by NDTV. Additionally, BJP MLA Golu Shukla called for official ID verification at pandals, raising concerns over communal profiling at cultural events.
“During Navratri, I would like to request through you from all Garba pandals that while giving entry to anyone, definitely check their Aadhaar card. Only after that give entry, otherwise do not give entry. No matter who it is, if we follow this with a little strictness, then certainly all our Hindu brothers and sisters will be able to perform Garba safely,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, Bajrang Dal activists in Bhopal submitted a memorandum to the District Magistrate demanding a ban on the entry of Muslims into Garba events during Navratri.
The remarks by BJP leaders sparked a heated political storm. Congress MLA Arif Masood said Muslims have “nothing to do with Garba” and will not attend such events, as it is forbidden for them. However, he accused the BJP of being “characterless” for dragging religion into Navratri festivities.
“The Bharatiya Janata Party always tries to create such a situation during Navratri or any festival that the atmosphere appears completely different,” he told IANS.
Garba is a rhythmic and ritualistic folk dance originating from Gujarat. The widely popular dance is an integral part of the Navratri festival, which will begin from September 22 this year.
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
Bhopal, India, India
September 18, 2025, 20:36 IST
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