BJP MLA's Garba Remark on Muslim Boys Sparks Political Row in Madhya Pradesh

A Bharatiya Janata Party legislator in Madhya Pradesh has drawn widespread criticism after making contentious remarks about Muslim participation in Garba celebrations. Rameshwar Sharma, who represents the Huzur constituency in Bhopal, made the comments while speaking at a public event.

Sharma questioned why Muslim boys attend Garba functions by themselves. He said they should not come alone and instead should bring their sisters and daughters along. He followed the remark with a smile, saying that "our boys are ready too," which drew cheers from those present.

The MLA further said that Muslims who wish to join the festivities permanently are welcome to do so, provided they chant "Jai Shri Ram" and apply a tilak on their foreheads. He added that no one would object to this.

Sharma also issued a warning against any attempt to turn Garba into a spectacle or to engage in what he described as "Love Jihad" at such events. He said the youth were prepared to respond, and urged young people to serve their parents, protect their sisters, and be ready to confront "demons" while seeking the blessings of Goddess Jagdamba.

The remarks prompted strong reactions from political opponents. Arif Masood, a Congress MLA from Bhopal Central, described Sharma's statement as extremely vile and cheap. He advised the BJP leader to mend his ways, stop being insolent, and refrain from making such offensive remarks. Masood also said that Muslims do not attend Garba and have nothing to do with it, adding that the public would set Sharma straight if he did not change course.

AIMIM's Madhya Pradesh president, Mohsin Ali Khan, said Sharma ought to read the Constitution, arguing that such statements serve to divide the country. He suggested that Sharma consult BJP leaders such as Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Shahnawaz Hussain. Khan also posed a question to the party's Muslim leaders, asking whether Sanwar Patel, Jamal Siddiqui, and Syed Zafar Islam would take their own sisters and daughters to Garba if Sharma was making such a demand of Muslims.

The controversy comes amid a broader pattern of objections by right-wing groups and some political leaders to Muslim attendance at Garba festivals. These groups have alleged, without providing evidence, that Muslim men attend such events to target Hindu girls. Organisers and right-wing outfits have regularly demanded mandatory Aadhaar card checks at venue gates to verify that attendees are Hindu.