NEW DELHI: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane expressed support for the Vishva Hindu Parishad‘s (VHP) call to bar Muslims from the Navratri events in the state, alleging that otherwise this would lead to an increase in “love jihad” cases.Attendees at such festivities should undergo identity checks and recite the Hanuman Chalisa before entry, the BJP leader told PTI Videos on Monday.“Love jihad” is a term used by right-wing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure women (mostly from the Hindu community) into relationships for religious conversion.“Those who do not follow idol worship should not participate in Hindu religious events. Those coming for garba should show their identity and chant the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry,” Rane said, extending support to the VHP’s demand.The VHP last week announced that Muslims “would not be allowed” entry to garba and dandiya venues across the state during the upcoming Navratri festival, and issued “guidelines” for organisers to verify participants’ identities by checking their Aadhaar cards and applying tilak on their foreheads.
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The Navratri festival will begin on October 11.On the demand to curb DJ sound systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival, Rane called for the rules to be applied uniformly to all religious processions.“If DJs are not permitted during Ganesh festival celebrations, similar restrictions should apply to Eid processions as well,” he said.Rane alleged that loud music was played late into the night during recent Eid processions, adding that Hindus follow court orders and noise regulations.He also slammed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray over his reported remarks about alleged vulgar dances during Kanwar Yatra events in parts of Uttar Pradesh, questioning why criticism was directed only at Hindu practices while statements by Muslim clerics were not similarly discussed.The BJP minister asserted that some people were attempting to “defame” Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma.
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