Maharashtra: VHP’s ‘Hindu Only’ Diktat for Garba Events Sparks Controversy. Athawale Faces Heat.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Sparks Controversy with Criticism of VHP’s ‘Hindu Only’ Diktat.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | Mumbai | Sept 22, 2025:: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has ignited a heated debate by criticizing the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) “Hindu only” diktat for Garba events in Maharashtra. The VHP’s advisory, which aims to restrict participation in Garba events to Hindus only, has received mixed reactions from various stakeholders.

Athawale’s Strong Objection

Athawale strongly objected to the VHP’s move, questioning their authority to decide who can participate in Garba events. “I strongly condemn this! Who is the Vishva Hindu Parishad to decide who will go to Garba and who will not?” he asked, adding that the advisory could incite violence and use force. Athawale warned that if the advisory triggers any disputes or violence, the VHP and its affiliated organizations would be held responsible.

Using his X handle Athawale wrote:

VHP’s Stand

The VHP has defended its advisory, emphasizing that Garba is a form of worship and those without faith in the goddess should not participate. The organization aims to prevent instances of “love jihad” and protect Hindu women and girls from being targeted.

BJP’s Support

Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule supported the VHP’s stance, stating that organizers have the right to set entry conditions provided police permission is in place. BJP media chief Navnath Ban emphasized that Garba is a Hindu event and people from other religions should not interfere while Hindus perform Garba and worship the goddess.

Congress’ Opposition

Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar slammed the VHP, accusing them of trying to “set society on fire” and reap political benefits by dividing people over religion. “They want to divide society over religion and reap political benefits out of it. What VHP has said is nothing new. The organisation is born with an intention to destabilise the country,” Wadettiwar claimed.

Escalating Row

The controversy has sparked a heated debate, with some Hindu groups challenging Athawale’s stand and accusing him of being “anti-Hindu.” Others have warned Athawale to stay within his limits and not interfere in Hindu religious practices. The row is likely to escalate further, with many apprehending that Athawale’s comments could lead to increased tensions.

Backlash from Hindu Groups

However, Athawale’s stance has not gone unchallenged. Several Hindu groups have come out in support of the VHP’s advisory, accusing the Union Minister of being “anti-Hindu” and overstepping his bounds. “Who told you that ‘Navratri belongs to everyone’?” one critic asked, arguing that Navratri belongs to those who believe in it, and others who consider Hindus infidels or heathens have no place in Hindu Navratri or Garba.

Some have even warned Athawale to stay within his limits and not interfere in Hindu religious practices. “The Vishwa Hindu Parishad or the Sant Mandali have the right to dictate Hindu religious practices. Who are you to intrude on Hindu religious rituals and support love jihad and atrocities against Hindu daughters and sisters? Stay within your limits, don’t talk too much. You’ll fall,” one critic cautioned.

Come and Join this Navratri with Dignity and Divinity

The VHP’s “Hindu only” diktat for Garba events has sparked a contentious debate, highlighting the complex intersection of religion, politics, and cultural identity in India. As the country celebrates Navratri, the controversy is likely to remain a contentious issue.

The VHP’s appeal to make Navratri and Garba a Hindu festivity emphasizes the cultural and religious significance of these celebrations to the Hindu community. It encourages participation with dignity and divinity, highlighting the spiritual and traditional aspects of the festival. This appeal reflects the organization’s effort to preserve and promote Hindu heritage and values during Navratri.

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_Inputs from PTI and ANI.