Athawale Criticizes VHP Call to Bar Muslims from Navratri Events

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale opposed the Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) call to bar Muslims from Navratri 'garba' events in Maharashtra, citing constitutional guarantees of equal rights.

The VHP recently issued guidelines for organizers to verify participants' identities using Aadhaar cards and apply 'tilak' on foreheads during the festival beginning October 11.

Athawale emphasized that India's Constitution protects all religions and noted that people of various faiths, including Hindus, frequently participate in each other's cultural and religious festivals.