‘Garba Events Epicentres Of Love Jihad’: Nitesh Rane Backs VHP’s ID Check Advisory For Navratri

Last Updated:September 23, 2025, 13:07 IST

Nitesh Rane backed the VHP’s advisory for ID checks at garba events, calling them epicentres of ‘love jihad’ and suggesting conversion of Muslim participants.

Mumbai: BJP MLA Nitesh Rane addresses a press conference (Photo: PTI)

Garba events during Navratri are becoming “epicentres” of “love jihad”, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane said on Monday, as he backed the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s advisory asking organisers of such programmes to thoroughly check identity documents of participants.

To a question on the VHP’s advisory asking garba organisers to check identity documents of participants, Rane, while talking to reporters in Mumbai, asserted there was nothing wrong in the demand made by the right-wing organisation.

“What is wrong with it? As per my information, Islam does not follow idol worship. Except for love jihad, I do not see any other reason behind Muslims participating in garba,” Rane said.

“They come to such events under false identity and harass our women. Cases of love jihad start from there,” he claimed.

Garba, a popular folk dance from Gujarat, is an integral part of the Navratri festival, which began on Monday (September 22) this year.

Rane further alleged, “Garba events are becoming epicentres of love jihad. The VHP‘s demand is justified. If someone still comes to garba, convert him as he is ready (by attending such events) to become Hindu.“

“We will ask organisations to prepare for the conversion procedure. After all, at one time in the past, we all were Hindus,” he said.

‘Love jihad‘ is a term often used by right-wing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage.

NITESH RANE SLAMS SANJAY RAUT

The BJP minister also hit out at Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut for criticising the Modi government over offensive gestures made by Pakistani players during an Asia Cup match against India in Dubai.

Pakistan’s opening batter, Sahibzada Farhan, sparked a huge controversy by making a gun-firing celebration with the bat after completing a half-century during the match.

“Pakistani players made objectionable gestures in Dubai. If someone had done this here, we would have ensured they regretted it. Sanjay Raut should not try to teach us or Prime Minister Narendra Modi about patriotism,” Rane asserted.

In response to a question, the BJP minister maintained Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray was out to destroy the political brand established by his father, late Bal Thackeray.

“Late Balasaheb Thackeray was a brand, but his son Uddhav is taking special efforts to destroy it. If he is determined to destroy the brand by aligning with other parties, then we do not have to make any efforts,” said Rane.

ALSO READ | Minister Rane Pushes For Coordinated Strategy As Maharashtra Eyes Fish Boom At Home

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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