VHP's 'Hindu only' diktat for garba 'open invitation for violence': Union minister Ramdas Athawale
Mumbai(PTI): Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday criticised the Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) advisory that only Hindus should be given entry to 'garba' events during Navratri, saying such calls were tantamount to "inviting violence".
Navratri, marked by traditional spiritual garba dance accompanied by dandiya (striking of colourful sticks) performance where pairs dance in circles, will be celebrated from September 22 to October 1.
The VHP on Saturday said only Hindus should be given entry to 'garba' events and advised organisers to check the Aadhaar card of entrants for identification to avoid instances of "love jihad".
A leader of the VHP said the entry of non-Hindus should be restricted during garba, which he described as a sacred worship, and not merely a dance programme or a cultural event.
Athawale in a post on X objected to the VHP's diktat.
"I strongly condemn this! Who is the Vishva Hindu Parishad to decide who will go to Garba and who will not? This advisory is not just limited to instructing organisers but is an open invitation for some radical elements to incite violence and use force," he claimed.
"If any clashes, assaults or religious conflicts occur anywhere in the country during Navratri because of this advisory, the complete responsibility will rest with the VHP and its associated organisations," the Union Minister of State for Social Justice added.
Athawale said such moves strike at the heart of India's unity, diversity and religious tolerance.
"Navratri is a festival of worship and joy, and an attempt is being made to turn it into a platform for hate and suspicion, which is highly condemnable," the Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief said.
He pointed out that the Constitution guarantees equality and religious freedom under Articles 14, 15 and 25.
"No organisation can decide who should celebrate a festival. Garba is not just a religious tradition but also a celebration of music, dance and social harmony. Attempting to monopolise it with one ideology is unfair and regressive," the minister noted.
Athawale urged the government and administration to ensure the safety of organisers and participants during Navratri.
"Any attempts at coercion, identity checks or religious discrimination must be strictly stopped under law. Navratri belongs to everyone - its essence lies in participation and peace, not exclusion," he noted.
Today's younger generation wants progress, inclusivity and celebration, not "the politics of hate or intimidation," he added.
मैं कड़ी निंदा करता हूँ! विश्व हिंदू परिषद कौन होती है तय करने वाली कि गरबा में कौन जाएगा और कौन नहीं?#SayNoToDiscrimination #Navratri2025 #VHPControversy #GarbaForAll
— Dr.Ramdas Athawale (@RamdasAthawale) September 21, 2025
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Trump says he ‘hasn’t even thought about’ continuing Iran ceasefire
Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he has not yet considered whether he would continue the ceasefire involving Iran, while also claiming the United States holds the advantage in negotiations.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was prepared to make a deal with “whoever is running the show” in Iran.
“They are fighting with each other, there’s tremendous infighting. They’re probably fighting for leadership in many cases. I think they’re fighting not to be leader because we knocked out two levels of leaders,” he said.
Trump added, “When they want they can call me. We have all the cards, we’ve won everything.”
Referring to ongoing negotiations, he said, “They gave us a paper that should’ve been better. And, interestingly, immediately when I cancelled it [envoy trip to Pakistan], within 10 minutes we got a new paper that was much better.”
“We talked about they will not have a nuclear weapon, very simple … They offered a lot, but not enough,” he added.
When asked whether he would continue the ceasefire, Trump replied, “I haven’t even thought about it.”
The remarks come as uncertainty remains over the future of the temporary truce and broader negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
