Athawale Slams VHP’s ‘Hindu Only’ Garba Advisory As Invitation To Violence

Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale on September 21, 2025, strongly condemned the Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) advisory restricting garba events during Navratri to Hindus only, labelling it an "open invitation for violence" that undermines India's unity and diversity.

In a post on X, Athawale, leader of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), argued that such directives could empower radical elements to incite clashes, holding the VHP and its affiliates fully responsible for any religious conflicts during the festival. Navratri, a nine-day Hindu celebration featuring traditional garba and dandiya dances, runs from September 22 to October 2, 2025, culminating in Vijayadashami.

The VHP, a Hindu nationalist organisation affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), issued the advisory on September 20, urging organisers in Maharashtra to verify entrants' identities via Aadhaar cards and apply tilak (a sacred mark) to ensure only Hindus participate. VHP leaders described garba as a "sacred worship" rather than a mere cultural event, aiming to prevent alleged instances of "love jihad"—a controversial term used by some groups to claim Muslim men feign romantic interest to convert Hindu women.

The advisory, which includes installing CCTV cameras, has sparked political debate ahead of assembly elections in Maharashtra, with BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule supporting organisers' rights to decide entry, while Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar called it divisive. timesofindia.indiatimes.com indianexpress.com

Athawale emphasised that Navratri should remain a festival of "worship and joy", not a platform for "hate and suspicion". He invoked constitutional protections under Articles 14, 15, and 25, which guarantee equality, prohibit religious discrimination, and ensure freedom of religion.

"No organisation can decide who should celebrate a festival," he stated, describing the move as "unfair and regressive". Garba, originating from Gujarat but popular nationwide, symbolises social harmony through communal dancing, often attracting diverse participants in urban settings.

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Urging government intervention, Athawale called for strict enforcement against coercion, identity checks, or discrimination to safeguard organisers and attendees. "Navratri belongs to everyone—its essence lies in participation and peace, not exclusion," he added, appealing to the youth for inclusivity over "politics of hate".

The controversy echoes similar past disputes over religious events, highlighting tensions between cultural preservation and secular values in India's multicultural fabric. Authorities have yet to respond officially, but police in key states are preparing enhanced security for the festivities.

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