Mumbai, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut has criticized the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) for its recent guidelines prohibiting Muslims from participating in Garba and Dandiya events during Navratri. Raut challenged the notion that Muslims cannot partake in these traditional celebrations, stating, “Who says Muslims can’t play Garba? The VHP, which has recently positioned itself as a religious authority, is making such statements. This is part of our country’s tradition. Muslims have played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle and cultural history.”
He referenced a statement by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who had previously asserted in New York that there should be no discrimination between Hindus and Muslims in India, whether political, cultural, or religious. Raut emphasized the need for unity, saying, “You cannot make one statement in India and another in New York.”
Bhagwat had declared at an event in New York that “if any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslims in India, then he cannot be a Hindu.” He advocated for universal unity, brotherhood, and the dignity of all humans.
However, shortly after Bhagwat’s remarks, the VHP released guidelines banning Muslims from entering Garba and Dandiya events in Maharashtra during the upcoming Navratri festival. These guidelines also included requirements for entry, such as Aadhaar card verification and the application of a tilak on the forehead.
This move has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who point out the contradiction in Bhagwat’s calls for Hindu-Muslim unity abroad while affiliated organizations impose such restrictions at home.
Raut also directed his criticism toward the Prime Minister, accusing him of dishonesty regarding economic claims. He questioned, “If the GDP rate is at 7.8 percent, why did a farmer in Maharashtra commit suicide last Saturday? Over 7,500 farmers have taken their lives in the past two years. Is this the result of your GDP?”
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