📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Assaminfo
Politics
BJP MLA's 'Bring sisters, chant Jai Shri Ram' comment on Muslims at garba triggers controversy
✍️ India Today
🗓 23 Sep 2026, 06:32 AM
👁 10
A BJP legislator's remarks urging Muslims to bring their sisters and chant 'Jai Shri Ram' at a garba event sparked widespread criticism and a political row.
A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA made headlines after urging Muslim participants at a garba celebration to "bring sisters" and chant "Jai Shri Ram". The remarks were delivered during a cultural program that traditionally welcomes people of all faiths.
The statement quickly drew condemnation from opposition parties, civil society groups and social media users, who accused the legislator of communalising a festive event. Critics argued that the comment undermined the secular ethos of the celebration and targeted the Muslim community.
Party officials later issued a clarification, saying the MLA's remarks were taken out of context and did not reflect the BJP's official stance. However, the episode has reignited debates over religious tolerance and the politicisation of cultural gatherings in India.
The controversy continues to be discussed in the state assembly and among community leaders, with calls for a more inclusive approach to public festivals.
The statement quickly drew condemnation from opposition parties, civil society groups and social media users, who accused the legislator of communalising a festive event. Critics argued that the comment undermined the secular ethos of the celebration and targeted the Muslim community.
Party officials later issued a clarification, saying the MLA's remarks were taken out of context and did not reflect the BJP's official stance. However, the episode has reignited debates over religious tolerance and the politicisation of cultural gatherings in India.
The controversy continues to be discussed in the state assembly and among community leaders, with calls for a more inclusive approach to public festivals.