‘Bring Your Mothers, Sisters’: BJP MLA’s Garba Remark on Muslims Sparks Row

Bhopal: A remark by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Rameshwar Sharma about Muslim men attending Garba events during Navratri has triggered a political controversy in Madhya Pradesh.

A video circulating on social media shows Sharma, the MLA from Bhopal's Huzur constituency, speaking about Muslims attending Garba celebrations. He is heard saying that Muslim men are welcome to attend and asking them to bring their mothers and sisters as well. The video has circulated widely online, although its authenticity has not been independently verified.

Opposition criticises Sharma's remarks

The comments drew criticism from Opposition leaders, including Congress MLA Arif Masood, who objected to the language used by Sharma.

Masood described the remarks as offensive and said Sharma should reconsider the manner in which he made the comments. His response added to the political debate surrounding participation in Garba events during the Navratri festival.

Sharma clarifies his statement

Following the criticism, Sharma sought to explain his remarks. Speaking to news agency PTI, he said Garba and Navratri are not merely forms of entertainment but occasions for worship of Maa Jagdamba.

Sharma said that if Muslim families wanted to participate in the festival, they should come with their families and take part in the religious rituals rather than merely watch Garba. He also referred to participating in the worship and receiving prasad.

His clarification came after the video generated criticism on social media and from political opponents.

What the controversy is about

The dispute centres on Sharma's comments about Muslim participation in Navratri Garba events and the language used while making those remarks.

Garba is traditionally performed during Navratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her various forms. In recent years, participation and entry arrangements at some Garba events have also become a subject of political and social debate in parts of India.

In the present case, the video circulating online is the basis for the controversy, while the full context and authenticity of the recording have not been independently established by the reports reviewed.

The political reactions and Sharma's subsequent clarification are part of the ongoing public debate; they do not, by themselves, establish any legal finding against the MLA.