'Bring your sisters, our boys are ready': BJP MLAs’ controversial take on Muslims in garba sparks row

BHOPAL: Controversial remarks by two BJP MLAs over the participation of Muslims in Navratri garba events have triggered a political row in MP, with Congress accusing the governing party members of "hate-mongering".Speaking at a public event in Bhopal, Huzur MLA Rameshwar Sharma questioned why Muslim youths who wanted to attend garba did not bring young women from their community to such functions.They should bring along their sisters and daughters, he said, adding that "our boys are ready". If garba was turned into a "tamasha" or used for "love jihad", "our youth" would be ready to respond, he warned.As his remarks, reported Monday, drew criticism, Sharma doubled down, saying Muslim youths who wanted to participate in garba should "bring their sisters and daughters; our daughters and sisters also go there".Anyone attending garba should do so with a spirit of worship and devotion, he asserted, adding that those who had developed an interest in Hinduism should accept Sanatan traditions.He also reiterated his warning against what he described as attempts to use garba for "love jihad".Mhow MLA and former minister Usha Thakur, too, objected to the entry of non-Hindus into garba pandals and said those who did not worship Hindu deities should not be allowed at such functions.She claimed that 4.5 lakh Hindu girls leave with people of other faiths every year and that around nine lakh children are born the following year, but did not provide any official data or source for the figures.The BJP MLA supported campaigns by VHP and Bajrang Dal seeking restrictions on entry of non-Hindus, alleging that some people concealed their identities by applying tilak and wearing kalava before entering such venues and misled young women.Flaying the remarks, Congress state secretary Kunal Chowdhary said, "Every day, BJP leaders say things that spread hatred and spoil the image of MP."You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhopal | Silver Rate in Bhopal | Bank Holidays in Bhopal | Public Holidays in Bhopal | Petrol Price in Bhopal | Diesel Price in Bhopal | CNG Price in Bhopal | LPG Price in BhopalStay updated with the latest Bhopal news. Download the TOI App.