BJP MLA argues ‘Muslims should bring their daughters, sisters’ to Garba’s remarks

The political and religious controversies surrounding Garba events across the country, which have become the norm in the last few years, have already started in Madhya Pradesh with a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA saying that if Muslim men want to attend the events, they should “bring their sisters and daughters” and that “our boys are also ready”.

While the Navratri festival is still about 20 days away, BJP MLA from Bhopal constituency Huzur Rameshwar Sharma said at a religious function on Monday (September 21, 2026) that if Muslims want to come to Garba events, they should chant “Jai Shri Ram” and apply tilak on their foreheads.

“Muslims want to be in Garba (event). Why only Garba, come permanently, we are ready. Come chant Jai Shri Ram, apply tilak on forehead and protect the ‘gau mata’ (cow),” he said, adding that no one had a problem with it.

“And only boys want to come? Bring your sisters and daughters from home. Our boys are also ready,” said Mr Sharma, who is known for his controversial remarks on religious matters.

Mr. Sharma’s remarks drew strong reactions from Congress MLA from Bhopal headquarters, Arif Masood and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) state president, Mohsin Ali Khan.

Mr Masood described Mr Sharma as “spreading hate”, condemning his language.

“First, Muslims have nothing to do with Garba. They have nothing to do with her either. Second, the language used by Rameshwar Sharma, I would tell him to mend his ways. Don’t be rude. This is going too far. Don’t be so rude,” Mr Masood told news agency PTI.

Meanwhile, Mr Khan termed the remarks as divisive while suggesting that Mr Sharma should speak to senior Muslim leaders of his party on the matter.

“I want to tell Rameshwar Sharma ji that what he said is definitely working to divide this country. He should now take it up with his senior leaders in the Bharatiya Janata Party. He should talk to Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. He should talk to Shahnawaz Hussain,” he said, adding that the BJP MLA needs to read the constitution.

“Article 25 gives every citizen of this country the freedom to wear what they want, to practice any religion they choose and the freedom to marry people of any religion. Interfaith marriages are allowed. The freedom to do so is given by the Special Marriages Act. Rameshwar Sharma ji needs to read the constitution… Rameshwar Sharma ji is only talking about attacking the constitution and opposing all other people opposing all others and it is condemned against all other people who are against religion. to work to divide this country,” he said.

For years, Hindutva and right-wing leaders have claimed that Muslim youth attend Garba events and engage in “love jihad,” a term they use to accuse Muslim men of “luring” Hindu women into relationships with them.

Mr Sharma later stood by his comments on Tuesday (September 22), saying Garba events were not for fun, while accusing Muslim men of teasing Hindu girls and being “trapped in a love jihad”.

“This is not fun. And if Muslims have developed so much love and attachment for Sanatan, then kindly, why are only their boys coming? Come, bring your sisters and daughters, bring your mothers and fathers,” he said.

“But if you come to Garba and engage in activities like love jihad and teasing Hindu sisters and daughters, then the Sanatan youth of India will give you a befitting reply,” he added.

Published – 23 Sep 2026 04:48 IST