New Delhi, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : Opposition leaders in New Delhi have raised concerns over the apparent contradictions between statements made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat during a recent conference in New York and the World Hindu Council’s (VHP) controversial guidelines in Maharashtra. The VHP announced a ban on Muslim participation in Garba and Dandiya events, instructing organizers to verify the Hindu identity of participants.
Critics pointed out that Bhagwat’s remarks at the “One World, One Humanity” conference, where he stated that any Hindu who believes Muslims have no place in India ceases to be a Hindu, stand in stark contrast to the VHP’s restrictions. He emphasized that Hindutva acknowledges the dignity of every individual and that different paths can lead to the same truth.
RJD MP Manoj Jha criticized the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, suggesting that it appears the administration is now under the control of the VHP. He remarked that Bhagwat may have forgotten some of his belongings in America, including the principles he espoused there, and urged him to return and educate his followers.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut challenged the notion that Muslims cannot participate in Garba, criticizing the VHP for attempting to dictate religious practices. He underscored that Garba is a cultural tradition and highlighted the significant contributions of Muslims to India’s freedom struggle and cultural history.
Raut echoed Jha’s sentiments, stating that Bhagwat’s dual messages—one in New York advocating for unity among Hindus and Muslims, and another in India promoting division—are unacceptable. He called for Bhagwat to clarify his stance on this matter.
Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy condemned the VHP’s actions, labeling them as purely communal. He asserted that Garba is a cultural festival open to all and denounced the restrictions imposed by the VHP.
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