Garba events becoming 'epicentres' of 'love jihad', claims Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane; backs VHP’s ID verification advisory

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Monday alleged that Garba events during Navratri are turning into “epicentres” of “love jihad” and supported the VHP’s advisory urging organisers to thoroughly verify the identity documents of participants.The BJP minister also targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut for criticising the Modi government over offensive gestures by Pakistani players during an Asia Cup match against India in Dubai.When asked about the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) advisory urging Garba organisers to verify participants’ identity documents, Rane said 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 claimed. Garba, a popular folk dance from Gujarat, is an integral part of the Navratri festival which began on Monday (September 22). Rane 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.The state fisheries and ports development minister criticised Raut for targeting the Centre over Pakistani players’ provocative gestures during Sunday’s Asia Cup match against India.

The controversy arose when Pakistan’s opening batter, Sahibzada Farhan, celebrated his half-century by mimicking a gun-firing gesture with his bat. "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 asserted.Responding to a question, the BJP minister claimed that Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray aimed to undermine the political legacy built by his father, the late Bal Thackeray. "Late Balasaheb Thackeray was a brand, but his son Uddhav is taking special efforts to destroy it. If he is determined to destroy the brand by aligning with other parties, then we do not have to make any efforts," said Rane. The Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) is an ally of the NCP (SP) and the Congress. (With inputs from agencies)