Speaking to the media in Chandrapur, Amruta Fadnavis said Garba should not be restricted to any one community. She said that if a Muslim person comes to watch Garba or enjoy the event peacefully, there is nothing wrong with it. Her position differs from the earlier stand expressed by BJP leader Nitesh Rane, triggering political discussion.
Some Hindutva organisations had demanded restrictions on the participation of Muslims in Garba and Dandiya programmes during Navratri celebrations in Maharashtra. BJP leader Nitesh Rane had also supported this position. The issue subsequently became a subject of discussion in political and social circles.
Amruta Fadnavis had arrived at the Mahashivling Temple in Chandrapur to attend a Rudrabhishek programme. During her interaction with the media, she stressed the importance of keeping Garba inclusive and said there was nothing objectionable about a Muslim person attending the event to watch or enjoy it.
“Festivals should be celebrated together by everyone”
Amruta Fadnavis said festivals create happiness and enthusiasm and stressed the importance of inclusiveness. She also said that while organising public programmes, it is necessary to consider the feelings and convenience of others.
She also appealed for compliance with rules. Speaking about Garba and other public celebrations, she said that organisers must follow the rules and ensure that programmes held in public places do not cause inconvenience to others.
Amruta Fadnavis also spoke about DJs. She said the issue was not about imposing a complete ban on DJs, but that rules regarding permissible sound limits and the timing of programmes should be followed.
Her remarks have drawn attention because they differ from the position supported by Nitesh Rane. Rane had backed the stance opposing the entry of Muslims into Garba programmes. Amruta Fadnavis, meanwhile, has advocated inclusive celebrations, bringing the difference between the two positions into the political discussion.
The Congress also reacted to Amruta Fadnavis’s statement. The opposition welcomed her inclusive position and criticised attempts to discriminate on religious grounds during festivals and celebrations.
With Navratri approaching, discussions continue over entry, identity checks and religious conditions at Garba and Dandiya programmes. Against this backdrop, Amruta Fadnavis’s remarks, alongside Nitesh Rane’s position, have added a new dimension to the political debate in Maharashtra.
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