In a controversial move, Nitesh Rane, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in Maharashtra, has called for the restriction of entry to Navratri events based on religion. Rane, who represents Kankavli, advocated for organizers to check Aadhaar cards and allow only Hindus to participate in dandiya events. His statements align with similar assertions made recently by the Sakal Hindu Samaj and Bajrang Dal officials.
Rane stated, “…It is the demand of the entire Hindu community that when Navaratri begins and dandiya will be played, participants should be from the Hindu community… We have urged the organizers that if they check the Aadhaar cards of everyone coming in, at the entrance, and allow only Hindus, the Hindu women will not face any difficulty…”
He elaborated that officials had received ‘extensive information’ linking cases of ‘love jihad’ and religious conversion to such festivities. Rane expressed concerns that Hindu women might be deceived and enticed during these events, citing instances where individuals who do not belong to the Hindu community attend such events while wearing saffron attire and claiming to be Hindus.
This call for religious segregation at Navratri events has sparked controversy and debate in the region. Earlier this month, both the Bajrang Dal and Sakal Hindu Samaj Sangathan submitted a memorandum to the Additional District Magistrate’s office, urging conditional permissions for garba events. Among their demands were requirements for women performing the dance to dress modestly and a ban on playing obscene film songs and qawwali tunes.
According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, these organizations also advocated for entry to be restricted to families, with venue officials scrutinizing identity cards before allowing people to enter. This push for stringent entry conditions and the emphasis on monitoring attire and music selection have raised concerns about the potential impact on the cultural and social atmosphere at Navratri celebrations.
The nine-day Navratri festival is a significant cultural event in India, featuring the traditional Garba dance as one of its main attractions. Navratri celebrates the triumph of good over evil and is observed with great enthusiasm and fervor by various communities.
Rane’s proposal and the demands made by organizations like the Bajrang Dal and Sakal Hindu Samaj reflect a broader discussion surrounding religious identity and cultural events in India. While some argue that such measures are necessary to protect cultural and religious traditions, others view them as divisive and discriminatory.
It remains to be seen how these calls for religious segregation and conditional permissions at Navratri events will be received by the broader public and authorities in Maharashtra. The controversy underscores the ongoing debates around issues of religion, cultural expression, and individual freedoms in India.
Maharashtra BJP MLA Nitesh Rane’s call for Aadhaar card checks to restrict entry based on religion at Navratri events has ignited controversy and discussions about the intersection of culture, religion, and personal freedoms. It remains to be seen how these proposals will be received and whether they will lead to changes in how Navratri events are organized and attended in the region.
