BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma Sparks Row Over Muslim Garba Participation

Bhopal BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma sparked a political controversy after stating that Muslim men who wish to attend Garba celebrations during the Navratri festival should not come alone. Speaking at a religious event, Sharma challenged Muslim attendees to bring their sisters and daughters, asserting that they should permanently adopt Hindu practices, including chanting "Jai Shri Ram," applying tilak on their foreheads, and protecting cows.

Defending his remarks on September 22, Sharma stated that Garba is a festival of the Sanatan community rather than mere entertainment. He alleged that some Muslim men use these events to tease Hindu girls and engage in "love jihad," warning that Sanatani youth would provide a "befitting reply" to such activities.

Opposition leaders and religious figures condemned the statements. Congress MLA Arif Masood accused Sharma of being a "hate monger" and inciting communal passions. AIMIM state president Mohsin Ali Khan described the remarks as an attempt to divide the country, urging Sharma to study the Constitution, specifically Article 25 and the Special Marriage Act. Additionally, All India Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi challenged Sharma to send his own female relatives to a mosque in response to the MLA's demands.