📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Politics
MP Garba Debate: BJP Leader Calls for Muslim Participation, Congress MLA Fires Back
✍️ Amar Ujala · Madhya Pradesh
🗓 22 Sep 2026, 11:15 AM
👁 10
Ahead of Navratri, BJP's Rameshwar Sharma urged inclusion of Muslims in MP garba, prompting a sharp rebuttal from Congress MLA Arif Masood, who warned against spreading hatred.
The garba festival, a key part of Navratri celebrations, has become a flashpoint in Madhya Pradesh politics. BJP leader Rameshwar Sharma recently urged that Muslim sisters and daughters be welcomed to participate in garba events, stating that inclusivity should be promoted.
Sharma’s remarks were echoed by fellow BJP member Vishwas Sarang, who also called for a broader participation of Muslims in cultural festivities. The statements were seen as an attempt to broaden the party’s appeal ahead of the upcoming elections.
In response, Congress MLA Arif Masood sharply rebuked the comments, warning that such rhetoric could fuel communal hatred. Masood accused the BJP leaders of stoking division and urged the public to reject hate speech.
The exchange has reignited debates over communal harmony and the role of political parties in shaping cultural narratives during the Navratri season.
Sharma’s remarks were echoed by fellow BJP member Vishwas Sarang, who also called for a broader participation of Muslims in cultural festivities. The statements were seen as an attempt to broaden the party’s appeal ahead of the upcoming elections.
In response, Congress MLA Arif Masood sharply rebuked the comments, warning that such rhetoric could fuel communal hatred. Masood accused the BJP leaders of stoking division and urged the public to reject hate speech.
The exchange has reignited debates over communal harmony and the role of political parties in shaping cultural narratives during the Navratri season.