Amid the ongoing Navratri festival, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has warned against spoiling the peaceful atmosphere of the state, reported news agency PTI.
During a visit to a Durga pandal, organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj, in Mumbai`s Mankhurd area on Wednesday, Rane also said no one will be allowed to disrespect Hindu gods and goddesses during the festival.
Notably, tensions flared after an idol of Goddess Durga was allegedly desecrated in Mankhurd on Sunday night, leading to a clash between two groups.
Rane said the ruling Mahayuti in the state is a “Hindutvawadi government”, elected with the support of Hindu votes, and that the people who wear the “gol topi” did not vote for it, reported PTI.
The BJP leader warned against spoiling the peaceful atmosphere of the state.
“Celebrate your festivals peacefully, and we will celebrate ours. Don`t look at us sideways,” he said, reported PTI.
“We will not tolerate anyone trying to disturb Mumbai`s atmosphere,” the minister said, reported PTI.
If anyone needs permission to celebrate festivals, they should just call the government, and permissions will be granted quickly, he said.
Rane participated in `maha aarti` during the event.
The minister on Monday claimed garba events during Navratri are becoming “epicentres” of “love jihad” and backed the VHP`s advisory asking organisers of such programmes to thoroughly check identity documents of participants.
Navratri, marked by traditional spiritual garba dance accompanied by dandiya (striking of colourful sticks) performance where pairs dance in circles, will be celebrated from September 22 to October 1.
The VHP on September 20 said only Hindus should be given entry to `garba` events and advised organisers to check the Aadhaar card of entrants for identification to avoid instances of “love jihad”.
A leader of the VHP said the entry of non-Hindus should be restricted during garba, which he described as a sacred worship, and not merely a dance programme or a cultural event.
“Garba is not merely a dance but a form of worship to please the goddess. They (apparent reference to Muslims) do not believe in idol worship. Only those having faith in the rituals must be allowed to participate,” VHP national spokesperson Shriraj Nair told PTI.
“VHP and Bajrang Dal workers will monitor the events. Garba is a form of worship, not entertainment. Those who do not have faith in the goddess should not be part of it,” Nair added.
While Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said organisers have the right to set conditions of entry at an event, provided it is being held with police permission, the Congress`s Vijay Wadettiwar slammed the VHP for wanting to “set society on fire”.
(With inputs from PTI)
