BJP MLA stirs row with ‘Muslims should bring their daughters, sisters’ to Garba remarks

Political and religious controversies around the Garba events across the country, which have become a norm for the past few years, have already begun in Madhya Pradesh with a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA saying that if Muslim men wanted to attend the events, they should “bring their sisters and daughters”, and that “our boys are also ready”.

Even though the festival of Navratri is still about 20 days away, BJP MLA from Bhopal’s Huzur constituency Rameshwar Sharma on Monday (September 21, 2026) said at a religious event that if Muslims want to come for Garba events, they should chant “Jai Shri Ram” and apply tilak on their foreheads.

“Muslims want to be in Garba [events]. Why just Garba, come permanently, we are ready. Come and chant Jai Shri Ram, apply tilak on foreheads, and protect ‘gau mata’ [cow]. ,” he said, adding that nobody had a problem with it.