Row over ‘non-Hindus must leave’ remark at Navratri event: Over 200 activists, social workers demand police action

Over 200 activists and social workers in Gujarat have demanded police action following a controversial incident at a Navratri celebration in Ahmedabad on October 14, 2026. At the Rang Morlo Navratri event, hosted by singer Aditya Gadhvi, the stage announcer, RJ Akash Trivedi, reportedly instructed "non-Hindus," particularly Muslims, to leave the premises voluntarily.

The anchor also mentioned the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), an organization associated with Hindu nationalist agendas, and provided a helpline number for reporting suspicious individuals.

Activists from various backgrounds, including human rights advocates, legal professionals, and academics, have united to express their outrage over the discriminatory actions. They argue that the event violated fundamental constitutional rights enshrined in Articles 14 (equality before the law), 15(1) & 15(2) (prohibition of discrimination), and 21 (right to life and personal liberty). The group cites that "third-party vigilante groups" may have taken control of the situation, leading to the discriminatory announcement.

The activists have called upon the Director General of Police to register a First Information Report (FIR) and launch a timely investigation, citing specific provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) that address hate speech, incitement to violence, and unlawful assemblies. Their demands also extend to holding responsible the organizers and enforcers who allowed the coercive actions to take place.