Check Aadhaar, allow only Hindus': Maharashtra BJP MLA Nitesh Rane flags ‘love jihad’ danger during Navratri event

 'Check Aadhaar, allow only Hindus': Maharashtra BJP MLA Nitesh Rane flags ‘love jihad’ danger during Navratri event

Nitesh Rane, a member of the Maharashtra BJP, has pushed to limit access to future Navratri activities based on religion. The Kankavli member demanded that organizers verify Aadhaar cards and restrict access to dandiya sites to Hindus alone. The statements are a reiteration of recent claims made by representatives of the Bajrang Dal and Sakal Hindu Samaj.

The whole Hindu community demands that all participants at the beginning of Navaratri and the playing of the dandia come from the Hindu community.The MLA said, "We have persuaded the organizers that the Hindu ladies would not have any trouble if they verify the Aadhaar cards of everyone coming in at the door and admit just Hindus.

He stated that examples of "love jihad" and religious conversion have been linked to such celebrations based on "extensive information" that authorities had received.

"Lies and lures are used on Hindu women. People who do not belong to our group attend these festivals dressed in saffron and other ethnic clothing while claiming to be Hindus, Rane said.

The Bajrang Dal and Sakal Hindu Samaj Sangathan sent a note to the ADM's office earlier this month asking for conditional permission to be granted for garba events. They have demanded modest clothing for ladies participating in the dance as well as a ban on filthy film songs and qawwali music. 

They have also demanded that only families be allowed entrance, with venue staff checking IDs before letting visitors in, according to a Dainik Bhaskar article.

This year, the traditional Garba dance will be one of the primary attractions of the nine-day Navratri celebration, which will begin on October 15.