Nothing wrong if Muslims attend Navratri events, says Amruta Fadnavis amid inclusion row

Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has advocated for inclusive Navratri celebrations, stating she sees no issue with Muslims participating in garba and dandiya events. Her remarks come amid growing controversy over restrictions on Muslim entry to such festivities.

Her comments directly respond to BJP minister Nitesh Rane's backing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad's call to bar Muslims from Navratri events. The VHP has announced that attendees will require identity verification and Aadhaar card checks before entry to garba and dandiya venues during Navratri, which begins October 11.

Amruta Fadnavis told reporters that festivals should be welcoming to all communities. "If a Muslim person also comes there and enjoys the festival properly, I do not see anything wrong in it," she said, highlighting the internal debate within Maharashtra's political leadership over religious participation at cultural events.