BJP legislator Rameshwar Sharma has drawn criticism from Congress and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) after suggesting that Muslim men attending Garba celebrations should bring their sisters and daughters with them.
Sharma, who represents Huzur in Bhopal, made the remarks at a public event. He asked why Muslim men wanted to attend Garba alone and added that young men from his community were “also ready”. He said Muslims were welcome at the celebrations, but suggested they should come with their families and take part in worship rather than watch the dancing.
Congress legislator Arif Masood, who represents Bhopal Central, condemned Sharma’s language and accused him of disturbing the atmosphere at a religious celebration. AIMIM’s Madhya Pradesh president, Mohsin Ali Khan, said the remarks risked dividing communities. Khan also challenged Sharma to discuss his position with Muslim leaders in the BJP.
Sharma subsequently stood by his comments. He said Muslim families who felt an attachment to the festival should come together, perform worship and join the Garba celebrations. At the event, he had also invited those wishing to join Hindu practices to wear a tilak and say “Jai Shri Ram”.
The dispute comes amid calls from some organisations and politicians to check identities or restrict Muslim participation at Garba events during Navratri. Those demands have prompted a wider argument over who may attend celebrations that combine religious observance with public dancing.
