Row Over Bhopal BJP MP Alok Sharma's Warning For "Love Jihad At Garba Events"
A fresh political controversy erupted in Madhya Pradesh with the Navratri festival around the corner, after the BJP MP from Bhopal, Alok Sharma, issued a warning against the participation of non-Hindus in Garba events, calling them "love jihadis."
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Bhopal BJP MP Alok Sharma characterized Garba as an "important Sanatan sacred tradition."
Bhopal:
A new political dispute has emerged in Madhya Pradesh as the Navratri festival approaches, following Bhopal BJP MP Alok Sharma's caution against non-Hindu participation in Garba celebrations, labeling such participants as "love jihadis."
During his media interaction on Wednesday, Mr Sharma stated, "Those who enter pandals wearing tilak, saffron scarves, or sacred threads with deceptive intentions will face consequences," and suggested that violators might even experience punitive measures, including "house demolitions."
He described Garba, the traditional Gujarati circle dance, as a "sacred Sanatan tradition," and encouraged organizers to "be vigilant and limit participation to Hindu community members only."
Mr Sharma echoed previous statements from BJP leaders who have demanded rigorous identity verification at Garba venues to prevent what they claim are attempts at "love jihad."
Other political figures from the state reinforced this position. Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister Vishwas Sarang declared that non-Hindus should "not be allowed inside Garba pandals."
"Navratri is a devotional celebration focused on Goddess Durga worship. Those lacking faith in this tradition should abstain from attending," Mr Sarang stated.
BJP MLA Golu Shukla further emphasized that Garba organizers must remain "active and alert" throughout the festival and insisted that entry should be restricted to those presenting an Aadhaar card. His advocacy for formal identification checks has sparked worries about religious profiling and excessive control at cultural events.
The BJP leaders' statements have provoked political backlash. Congress MLA Arif Masood remarked that Muslims have "no interest in Garba" and should not attend if it's prohibited. However, he criticized the BJP for being "unprincipled" in bringing religious divisions into Navratri celebrations and maintained that if Garba organizing committees extend invitations, "no one has the authority to prevent attendance."
Former Congress Minister PC Sharma confirmed that Garba performances traditionally begin after Goddess Durga worship and should be honored accordingly.
"People who don't subscribe to these traditions should refrain from attending; this responsibility lies with the organizing committees," he said. Nevertheless, he also expressed concerns about "love jihad" at these events, claiming that alleged perpetrators from previous incidents had escaped punishment.