'Nothing Wrong With It': Amruta Fadnavis Opposes VHP's Call To Bar Muslims From Navratri Events

News india 'Nothing Wrong With It': Amruta Fadnavis Opposes VHP's Call To Bar Muslims From Navratri Events

Last Updated:September 10, 2026, 12:18 IST

Her statement came after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for Muslims to be barred from upcoming Navratri festivities, a demand that was amplified by Nitesh Rane

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, said Tuesday that there was nothing wrong with Muslims taking part in Navratri and other festivals, while also suggesting that festivities promote inclusivity.

Her statement came after the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for Muslims to be barred from upcoming Navratri festivities, a demand that was amplified by Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane.

“Festivals are inclusive, and there is nothing wrong with a Muslim person attending the celebrations. If a Muslim also comes and enjoys the festival properly, I do not see anything wrong with it," Amruta Fadnavis told reporters, according to PTI.

“… When there is such a high-intensity event as Garba, checking ID cards is a very good practice. But checking people on the basis of religion is not right", Amruta said.

On Monday, Rane backed VHP’s demands, alleging that cases of “love jihad" tend to increase during festivities. He demanded that attendees be made to undergo identity checks and recite Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed to enter Navratri events.

In an interview with PTI, Rane stated: “Whatever demands the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has made, and whatever expectations it has expressed, are not wrong…If you do not follow our religion, then do you have the right to come to our Navratri or Garba celebrations? Because there have been many investigations, and we have many instances and pieces of evidence showing that a large number of cases of ‘love jihad’ have taken place through these very festivals…Whoever comes to our Garba, Navratri, or Dandiya celebrations should show their identity."

“Instead of stopping at the Aadhaar card, they should be required to recite the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed to come, and only then should they be permitted to attend our Hindu festivals. Therefore, I fully support whatever demands the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has made."

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Meemansa ShekhawatSub-editor

A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re...Read More

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