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.