‘Bring your mothers, sisters’: BJP MLA on Muslims coming for garba during Navratri, draws ire

BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma has ignited a political dispute in Madhya Pradesh following a video that surfaced online. In the video, Sharma, who represents the Huzur constituency, can be heard suggesting that Muslim men attending garba events during Navratri should bring their mothers and sisters along. The BJP lawmaker stated that Muslims were welcome at garba events and were even welcome to attend permanently.

"Muslims want to come for garba, come. And not just for garba, we’re okay even if you want to come permanently," Sharma is heard saying in the video. "And why do you want to come alone, bring your mothers and sisters too, our horses are also ready."

The remarks quickly drew criticism from opposition leaders. Congress MLA from Bhopal Central Arif Masood called Sharma's statement "vile and cheap." Masood criticized Sharma's language, saying that Muslims typically do not attend garba events and that the comments were offensive. "Sharma should mend his ways, or the public will set him straight. For starters, Muslims do not attend garba; they have nothing to do with it. The language used is extremely offensive," Masood said.

In response to the controversy, Sharma attempted to clarify his remarks, asserting that garba and Navratri were occasions for the "worship of Maa Jagdamba" rather than forms of entertainment. He claimed that both Sanatani Hindu society and Muslims, who have grown attached to the festival, should participate in the religious rituals.

"It is the festival of worship and prayer of Maa (Goddess). In it, the Sanatani Hindu society, along with their entire family, along with their sons and daughters, worship and pray to Maa Jagdamba," Sharma told news agency PTI. He further suggested that if Muslims had developed an attachment to the festival, they should attend with their families and actively participate in the religious activities.