Maharashtra CM’s wife sparks debate with support for muslims at Garba

Amrita Fadnavis, the wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has come under criticism after expressing support for Muslims attending Hindu festivals such as Garba and Dandiya in the state.

MUMBAI: Amrita Fadnavis, the wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has come under criticism after expressing support for Muslims attending Hindu festivals such as Garba and Dandiya in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur Amrita Fadnavis said religious celebrations should be welcoming to everyone arguing that there should be no objection if people from another faith participate peacefully without causing disruption.

She also spoke about the criticism she frequently faces online, saying that being the chief minister’s wife had made her one of the most heavily trolled personalities in the country.

Her comments came amid a growing controversy in Maharashtra over calls to prevent Muslims from attending Garba and Dandiya events during the upcoming Navratri celebrations.

The debate intensified after Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane backed the position of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and alleged that incidents linked to what Hindu nationalist groups describe as “love jihad” increase around Garba and Navratri events.

The VHP has called for Muslims to be excluded from Garba and Dandiya celebrations in Maharashtra during Navratri. The organization has also suggested that event organizers verify attendees’ identity documents and introduce measures such as applying a tilak to participants.

VHP spokesperson Shri Raj Nair argued that Navratri should not be viewed merely as a festival of dance and entertainment. He said it is a religious occasion associated with the worship of a Hindu deity and claimed that participation by people who do not follow idol worship was therefore inappropriate.

Amrita Fadnavis however took a different position saying people of different faiths should be allowed to participate in celebrations if they do so voluntarily and peacefully.

Her comments received support from some opposition politicians, including members of the Congress, who welcomed her apparent call for religious inclusivity.

Shiv Sena leader Aditya Thackeray also rejected the VHP’s proposal to check the “Hindu identity” of people attending the events.

The controversy comes ahead of Navratri, when Garba and Dandiya events attract large crowds across Gujarat and Maharashtra and other parts of India. The debate has once again highlighted tensions surrounding religious participation in public cultural events and the broader political debate over religious identity in India.

Amrita Fadnavis’ remarks have added a new dimension to the controversy particularly because of her position as the wife of Maharashtra’s chief minister and her decision to publicly support the participation of Muslims in the celebrations.