More BJP MLAs want Muslims barred at garbas

BHOPAL: BJP netas in Madhya Pradesh have taken the 'love jihad' campaign to a strident level with more party MLAs joining the chorus to bar Muslim youths from garba venues.
After BJP MLA from Indore, Usha Thakur, two other party MLAs demanded identification of youths before they are allowed entry into Navratra celebrations.
BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma, who represents Huzur seat in Bhopal and Narela MLA Vishwas Sarang have asked the district administration to carry out an identification of people entering garba venues.
Last week, state BJP vice-president and woman MLA from Indore-3 constituency, Usha Thakur, asked organisers to ensure only Hindu youths are allowed in garba venues after checking their identity on voter ID cards. "It's inappropriate to allow those who don't follow Hinduism in Navratra celebrations," she said. Justifying rampant love jihad in the state, she claimed 4.5 lakh Hindu girls had been converted after they met youths at garba functions during Navratra festivities.
Two MLAs from Bhopal, Sharma and Sarang, raked up the issue during a meeting with district administration on Monday. Speaking to TOI, Rameshwar Sharma said, "It is a nine-day festival and crowds are rising at garba venues each year. Garba before the goddess is a matter of faith and not a dance competition or a concert. There have been reports of anti-social elements entering these venues. Hence, an identification drive would help police keep law and order in control."
On entry of Muslims, Sharma argued men from other communities can enter garba venues, but only if they bring their sisters, mothers or wives along with them. "Let their sisters join in the dance. Garba is part of the Hindu tradition and we too have our rights to celebrate the festival in the community."
Congress legislator from Muslim-dominated Bhopal (North) seat, Arif Aqueel, said, "Maybe, they should recommend a strip search to ascertain identity. It maybe the RSS agenda, but the question is how will they implement it?"