Muslims should not participate in Navratri festival, says BJP leader; AIMIM debunks him

The nine-day Navratri festival started on Monday. It witnesses various events including Raas Garba, dances by youngsters cutting across religious divides.

During the Raas Garba festival, prayers and dance events are held with devotion. “And that’s why allowing only Hindus to participate in garba dance does not amount to creating hatred but is about respecting one’s religion. Forcibly participating in the events of other religious communities does not go well with religious principles nor is it good for communal harmony,” he said.

Upadhye said, “The insistence that garba is only for Hindus helps enhance social harmony and mutual respect. Because those religions which do not believe in idol worship should not participate in such events and show disrespect to their own religion.”

“Hindutva never says only our religion is true and the rest are ‘kafirs’… it respects all creeds.”

When contacted by The Indian Express, Upadhye said he stood by his social media post. “Yes, I wrote the post and I stand it,” he said. When asked whether it is his person view or his party’s, Upadhye said, “You can say it is our party’s view.”

When asked about Upadhye’s post,” Imtiaz Jaleel, former MP and president of AIMIM Maharashtra unit, said, “I invite all Hindus to participate in Eid celebrations. In Hindu culture, a guest is like a God… Unfortunately dirty politics is spoiling our age old social fabric which will prove to be disastrous in the coming years. Muslims have been and are an integral part of Hindu festivals for years and centuries. BJP and Upadhye should check the names of the members and those who hold important posts in various mandals who organise Hindu festivals. They will find Muslim youth playing prominent roles and taking initiatives voluntarily and not forcibly. Muslims whole-heartedly participate in Hindu festivals and they help create a positive atmosphere. This is what BJP and Upadhye should remember.”

Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said, “We all Indians have been living in communal harmony for ages. There is a ‘Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb’ reflecting the syncretic culture and strong bond between Hindu and Muslim traditions. If we go by the logic of Upadhye and BJP, does it mean that Hindus should stay away from Eid celebrations and Muslims should keep away from Diwali festival? Does the country run on hatemongers? The country runs on the love and admiration of people from different religions for each other. It does not run along the lines of such hate.”

Anjum Inamdar, president of Mul Nivasi Muslim Manch, reacted strongly to the post. ”BJP and Upadhaye should remember that Mulsims have for ages been an integral part of Hindu festivities. They do not take part forcibly. In fact at several places in Maharashtra, they take initiative in organising the Hindu festivals including the Ganesh festival and Navratri. There are several Ganesh mandals and Navratri mandals where Muslims are either presidents, secretaries or treasurer. They ensure that Hindu festivals are conducted in the manner that the community wants and at the same time take all initiatives for their orderly conduct. If BJP and Upadhaye do a survey, they will be baffled as to how many Muslims actively take initiatives in organising Hindu festivities. Likewise, there are several Hindus who take part in holding Eid celebrations,” he said.

Reacting to Upadhye’s social media post, one user commented, “BJP leaders also participate in Ramzan Eid celebrations. Then what do you say about it?”

Another comment read, “If you do not want Muslims in Navratri festival, then why do your leaders roam around with Muslim caps during Iftar parties?”

“The ‘dindis’ that go to Pandharpur during Ashadhi Ekadashi for darshan of Vithal-Rukmani have several Muslim community members actively participating in kirtans… At that time, why don’t you speak,” another user commented.