BJP leader says garba events becoming 'epicentres' of 'love jihad’, backs VHP advisory: ‘…prepare for conversion’

The BJP minister also hit out at Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut for criticising the Modi government over offensive gestures made by Pakistani players during an Asia Cup match against India in Dubai

Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane alleged on Monday that garba events during Navratri are turning into "epicentres" of "love jihad" and supported the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP)'s advisory asking organisers of such programmes to thoroughly verify the identity documents of participants.

The BJP minister also hit out at Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut for criticising the Modi government over offensive gestures made by Pakistani players during an Asia Cup match against India in Dubai.

Rana, when asked about the advisory by VHP urging garba organisers to verify participants’ identity documents, responded that there was nothing wrong with the right-wing organisation’s demand.

"What is wrong in it? As per my information, Islam does not follow idol worship. Except for love jihad, I do not see any other reason behind Muslims participating in garba. They come to such events under false identity and harass our women. Cases of love jihad start from there," he was quoted by PTI.

Garba, a popular folk dance from Gujarat, is an integral part of the Navratri festival which began on Monday (September 22).

The minister further alleged, "Garba events are becoming epicentres of love jihad. The VHP demand is justified. If someone still comes to garba, convert him as he is ready (by attending such events) to become Hindu. We will ask organisations to prepare for conversion procedure. After all, at one time in the past, we all were Hindus."

"Love jihad" is a term often used by right-wing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage.

"Pakistani players made objectionable gestures in Dubai. If someone had done this here, we would have ensured they regretted it. Sanjay Raut should not try to teach us or Prime Minister Narendra Modi about patriotism," Rane said.

A huge row erupted after Sahibzada Farhan, Pakistan’ opening batter, made gun-fire celebration with his bat after completing half-century during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match.