VHP’s call to bar Muslims from Navratri events against Constitution: Ramdas Athawale
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has publicly opposed the VHP's call to bar Muslims from Navratri festival events in Maharashtra. He argued that such exclusionary practices violate the Indian Constitution's guarantee of equal rights for all religions.
Why it matters
The statement highlights the ongoing tension between religious nationalist groups and constitutional secularism in Indian public life.
Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) opposed calls to bar Muslims from attending 'garba' events during the Navratri festival, and said India is governed by the Constitution, which guarantees equal rights to people of all religions.
Asked about Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) call to bar Muslims from Navratri events in Maharashtra, Mr. Athawale said such a stand is not appropriate as people of different faiths have the right to participate in each other's festivals.
The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment was talking to reporters at Swami Vivekananda Airport after arriving on a day-long visit to Chhattisgarh.
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