Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s wife Amruta Fadnavis has again defended her stand on Muslim participation in Garba celebrations, saying she is being trolled by people who view her only as a “political wife”.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Amruta said she was expressing her opinion as a social activist and citizen, not as a political representative. She maintained that festivals such as Navratri and Garba should be inclusive and should not discriminate between people on the basis of religion or caste.

Her remarks come amid a growing controversy in Maharashtra after the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for Muslims to be kept out of Garba and Dandiya events during Navratri. BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has backed the VHP's position. 

‘ID Check Is Fine, But Not on Religious Grounds’

Amruta said checking identity documents for security purposes could be a reasonable practice at public events, but she opposed checking people specifically on the basis of their religion.

Her position differs from the VHP's reported guidelines for Garba and Dandiya organisers. The organisation has called for participant verification and suggested measures including Aadhaar checks and tilak, while arguing that the events are linked to Hindu religious traditions.

Amruta had first expressed her position on the issue a day earlier, saying she saw nothing wrong with a Muslim person attending a Garba event and enjoying the celebrations peacefully.

Nitesh Rane Backs VHP’s Position

The controversy intensified after Nitesh Rane publicly supported the VHP's call to restrict Muslim participation.

Rane alleged that “love jihad” cases increase around such festivals and argued that organisers should verify the identity of people entering Garba venues. He also suggested that participants should recite the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry. These are Rane's claims and proposals; they have not been established as facts by the statements cited here. 

The VHP, meanwhile, has said its position is linked to protecting the religious and cultural character of Navratri celebrations. Its proposed restrictions have triggered criticism from opposition parties and others.

Amruta Responds to ‘Love Jihad’ Argument

Asked about claims concerning “love jihad” at Garba events, Amruta said that if there is a genuine issue, it should be addressed through appropriate legal measures.

She also indicated that existing laws could be strengthened if required, rather than making religious identity the basis for entry restrictions.

The phrase “love jihad” is used by some right-wing groups to describe an alleged organised effort by Muslim men to enter relationships with Hindu women for religious conversion. The allegation is politically contentious and should not be treated as an established fact without evidence in individual cases.

Opposition Welcomes Amruta’s Stand

Amruta's remarks have received support from opposition leaders, who have used the controversy to question the positions taken by the VHP and Rane.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut welcomed her comments and urged her to communicate the same position to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and members of his cabinet who have supported restrictions.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also welcomed Amruta's position, while questioning whether she would similarly ask the government to act against ministers supporting the restrictions. 

The debate has therefore moved beyond the question of entry into Garba venues and into a wider political discussion over religious identity, public celebrations and Maharashtra's approach to cultural events.

VHP Call Has Triggered Wider Political Debate

The VHP's call concerns the upcoming Navratri season, which begins on October 11 this year. The organisation has asked organisers to prevent Muslim participation and has suggested identity-verification measures. 

These are organisational demands rather than a blanket government prohibition. Their implementation at individual Garba or Dandiya venues would depend on the organisers and applicable law.

The controversy has also drawn comments from other political figures, including Union minister Ramdas Athawale, who has opposed excluding Muslims from Garba events and argued that citizens should have equal rights to participate in cultural activities. 

2023 Reel With Riyaz Aly Also Drew Trolling

Amruta Fadnavis has previously faced social-media criticism over her public appearances and statements.

In January 2023, she shared a dance reel with social media influencer Riyaz Aly, featuring a Punjabi song. The video drew criticism from some social-media users, including objections related to filming at an official residence, according to the reports cited in the supplied material.

Amruta had responded at the time that she had become accustomed to online trolling and said criticism did not stop her from pursuing her work.

Her latest comments therefore revive a familiar theme in her public statements: she says she should be viewed independently of her husband's political position and that her views should not automatically be treated as the government's or the Chief Minister's position.

A controversy over Muslim participation in Maharashtra’s upcoming Navratri garba and dandiya events has turned into a political dispute, with the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) calling for restrictions on Muslim entry while BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has backed the demand.

The issue intensified after Amruta Fadnavis, wife of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, said she saw nothing wrong with Muslims attending garba celebrations peacefully. Her comments have put a different emphasis on inclusivity as political leaders debate the participation of different communities in public festival events. 

Navratri is scheduled to begin on October 11, 2026, and the dispute has emerged weeks before garba and dandiya events are expected to begin across the state.

VHP Calls for Restrictions at Garba Events

The VHP has called for Muslims to be excluded from garba and dandiya venues in Maharashtra during Navratri.

The organisation has also issued guidelines for organisers that reportedly include checking participants' identities and Aadhaar cards and applying a tilak before entry. The VHP has defended the move by arguing that Navratri is a religious festival centred on Hindu worship and that its traditions should be protected. 

VHP spokesperson Shriraj Nair has questioned the participation of people who do not follow idol worship in a festival centred on the worship of Hindu deities.

The proposed restrictions, however, have no automatic force simply because they have been issued as organisational guidelines. Individual event organisers and authorities would determine how specific venues operate, subject to applicable law and regulations.

Nitesh Rane Backs VHP Position

Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has publicly supported the VHP's position.

Rane has cited what he described as concerns over “love jihad” during festivals and supported identity checks at garba venues. He has also suggested that people attending the events should recite the Hanuman Chalisa before being allowed entry. 

“Love jihad” is a term used by right-wing activists to allege that Muslim men enter relationships with Hindu women with the intention of religious conversion. The allegation is politically contested and should not be treated as an established explanation for individual relationships or incidents.

Amruta Fadnavis Takes Different Position

Amruta Fadnavis has taken a contrasting view, saying festivals should be inclusive.

Speaking to reporters, she said that if a Muslim person attends a garba event and enjoys the celebration peacefully, she sees nothing wrong with it. She also described the festival as inclusive and emphasised the importance of following rules governing public events.

Her remarks have drawn attention because they came soon after Rane's endorsement of the VHP's proposed restrictions.

The disagreement has therefore expanded beyond the question of event entry into a wider political debate over how religious festivals should be organised in a plural society.

Opposition Targets Maharashtra Government

Opposition leaders have seized on the contrasting positions.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the apparent contradiction between the VHP's proposed restrictions in Maharashtra and the BJP leadership's diplomatic outreach to Muslim-majority countries.

Raut also questioned the position of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Hindu-Muslim unity and urged clarity over the VHP's demand.

The Congress has also backed Amruta Fadnavis's inclusive position, adding another political dimension to the controversy. 

Debate Centres on Identity and Public Festivals

At the heart of the dispute is a larger question: whether participation in a public garba or dandiya event should be determined by religious identity or by the rules set by the organisers and authorities.

Supporters of restrictions argue that garba during Navratri is fundamentally a religious celebration and that organisers have a right to protect its character. Critics say excluding people solely on the basis of religion risks turning public cultural celebrations into spaces of religious segregation.

The controversy has also brought the proposed use of identity documents and religious markers such as tilak into the political debate.

What Happens During Navratri?

With Navratri beginning on October 11, the immediate question will be how individual garba and dandiya organisers respond to the competing demands.

For now, the VHP's call, Rane's support and Amruta Fadnavis's inclusive position have exposed differing approaches within Maharashtra's wider political ecosystem.

The controversy is likely to remain in focus as organisers finalise arrangements for the festival and political parties continue debating the balance between religious identity, cultural participation and social harmony.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is scheduled to hold an important meeting on Wednesday, where it is expected to appoint a permanent general secretary and fill three vacant trustee positions. The meeting comes shortly after the alleged donation theft case at the Ram Temple, making it one of the trust's most significant administrative gatherings in recent weeks.

The meeting will begin at 4:00 pm under the chairmanship of Trust President Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. Treasurer Govind Dev Giri and Shankaracharya Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati have already arrived in Ayodhya to participate in the proceedings.

Race for General Secretary Post

Acting General Secretary Krishna Mohan and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) General Secretary Bajrang Lal Bagra are considered the leading contenders for the permanent general secretary's post.

The appointment is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the trust's administrative functioning, especially at a time when the temple administration is under increased public attention.

Three Trustee Positions Vacant

The vacancies arose after the trust accepted the resignations of former General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr. Anil Mishra during its meeting on 6 July. Both leaders had submitted their resignations on 26 June.

Following their exit, retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Krishna Mohan was appointed as the acting general secretary.

A third trustee position became vacant after the demise of Bimalendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, head of the Ayodhya royal family and a member of the trust. The meeting is expected to finalize appointments for all three vacant positions.

Meeting Held Amid Donation Theft Probe

The trust meeting is being held against the backdrop of the recently reported Ram Mandir donation theft case, which has drawn significant public attention.

While the trust has not officially stated that the matter is part of the meeting agenda, the case has heightened the importance of the discussions. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening administrative oversight and ensuring smooth management of the temple's affairs.

CEO Appointment Nears Final Stage

Alongside the trustee appointments, the process of selecting a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ram Temple administration has entered its final phase.

According to available information, nearly 5,500 candidates from across the country have applied online for the position. The newly appointed CEO is expected to assume charge after Raksha Bandhan (28 August).

The CEO will oversee the temple's administration, daily operations, infrastructure management, security, and facilities for devotees.

The decisions taken during Wednesday's meeting are expected to shape the future administrative structure of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust as it continues to manage one of India's most prominent religious institutions.

The Special Investigation Team has identified around 150 suspects in the alleged donation theft case, with nearly 25 individuals likely to face action.

The Special Investigation Team probing the alleged theft of donations from the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is expected to submit its findings to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, with sources indicating that top temple trust officials could face removal.

The SIT, which completed its sixth day of investigation on Saturday, has questioned around 150 suspects in connection with the case. Nearly 25 individuals may face action based on the evidence gathered so far, according to sources familiar with the probe.

SIT Wraps Probe, Heads to Lucknow

The three-member panel, comprising Lucknow Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, IG Range Kiran S., and Finance Department Special Secretary Neelratan, is expected to return to Lucknow on Saturday evening after a week-long investigation in Ayodhya.

Sources said the team spent nearly six hours inside the temple complex on Friday, questioning Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, trustee Dr Anil Mishra, and construction in-charge Gopal Rao separately. Investigators also interrogated State Bank of India officials, including the branch manager and cashier.

Action on the Cards

According to sources, action against Champat Rai and Dr Anil Mishra is being actively considered. Both could be removed from their positions on the trust. Gopal Rao may also face similar action.

Investigators also attempted to question Anand, Gopal Rao's nephew, and temple employee Somesh Anand, but both were reportedly unavailable, with their phones switched off.

Recovery So Far

The SIT has recovered approximately ₹2 crore based on information provided by five accused — Lavkush, Avneesh, Anukalp, Karune and Ramshankar alias Tinnu. All five were associated with counting donations collected at the temple.

Gold was recovered from Tinnu's residence on June 13, though officials have not yet disclosed the quantity or value of the recovered items.

How the Controversy Unfolded

The issue first came to light on June 7 when former Uttar Pradesh minister Pawan Pandey alleged that between ₹5 crore and ₹7.5 crore had been stolen from the Ram Mandir. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also questioned the government's silence, calling for judicial scrutiny.

Trust General Secretary Champat Rai initially rejected the allegations, stating that no evidence of theft had surfaced. As the controversy escalated, BJP leader Dr Rajneesh Singh wrote to the Prime Minister on June 9 seeking a CBI investigation. A day later, the Prime Minister's Office sought a report from the trust.

Mahakumbh Donations Under Scrutiny

The SIT has widened its probe to examine donation records from the Prayagraj Mahakumbh period, when more than five crore devotees visited the Ram Mandir over 66 days. Investigators are questioning how donations collected through temple donation boxes remained below ₹100 crore despite the massive footfall.

The probe has expanded to Somesh Anand, a relative of Gopal Rao and head of the temple's wheelchair service. Investigators are examining his role in temple operations.

On June 18, the SIT questioned temple employees Mayank, Shivam Pandey, Ashish Dubey and Ratnesh. Ashish Agnihotri, who assisted in managing gold, silver and other valuables offered to Ram Lalla, has also been questioned. Employee Phoolkant Mishra, involved in the custody of donated jewellery, has come under scrutiny.

Claim of Missing Consecrated Stones

Fresh questions have emerged with Dharm Sena founder Santosh Dubey alleging that 1,250 consecrated Shri Ram stones made of gold, silver, diamonds, gemstones and ashtadhatu have gone missing. According to Dubey, the stones were brought to Ayodhya in 1989 after being worshipped across India and abroad, remaining at Karsevakpuram until 2002.

While the consecrated clay stones are still preserved, the metal stones are no longer visible, Dubey claimed, questioning the responsibility of Champat Rai for their upkeep.

Public Reactions

VHP leader Surendra Jain said allegations against the temple trust are not new and none have been proven so far. "At first, we felt these were routine political allegations, but when they started coming from other sources, we treated them with utmost seriousness," he said.

Hanumangarhi chief priest Mahant Sanjay Das stated that the SIT investigation would expose the truth. "The truth will come out, and whoever is found responsible will face the strictest action, no matter how influential they may be," he said.

Political Responses

Union Minister B.L. Verma backed the SIT probe, accusing critics of politicising the issue. "Some people are trying to politicise this. Those raising questions are the same people who opposed the Ram Mandir movement in the past," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya urged political leaders to avoid premature conclusions. "Making allegations is one thing; proving them is another. If any wrongdoing has taken place, those responsible will certainly be punished," he said.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav renewed his demand for a detailed accounting of valuables offered at the temple, saying the public now wants "gold separated from gold and silver from silver."

CEO Appointment on the Cards

Sources said the Uttar Pradesh government is considering appointing a Chief Executive Officer for the Ram Mandir, modelled on the administrative structure at Kashi Vishwanath Temple. A senior IAS officer could oversee the trust's administrative and financial affairs, strengthening transparency and accountability. Discussions are underway between the government and the trust, though no final decision has been taken.