Maharahstra minister Nitesh Rane backs VHP's call to bar Muslims from Navratri events
Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has publicly supported a VHP demand to bar Muslims from Navratri festival venues. He argues that identity checks and the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa are necessary to prevent 'love jihad' and ensure religious decorum.
Why it matters
The statement highlights ongoing communal tensions in India and the political use of religious identity in public festival management.
NEW DELHI: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane expressed support for the Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) call to bar Muslims from the Navratri events in the state, alleging that otherwise this would lead to an increase in "love jihad" cases.Attendees at such festivities should undergo identity checks and recite the Hanuman Chalisa before entry, the BJP leader told PTI Videos on Monday."Love jihad" is a term used by right-wing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure women (mostly from the Hindu community) into relationships for religious conversion."Those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events.
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