Political and religious controversies around the Garba events across the country, which have become a norm for the past few years, have already begun in Madhya Pradesh with a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA saying that if Muslim men wanted to attend the events, they should “bring their sisters and daughters”, and that “our boys are also ready”.

Even though the festival of Navratri is still about 20 days away, BJP MLA from Bhopal’s Huzur constituency Rameshwar Sharma on Monday (September 21, 2026) said at a religious event that if Muslims want to come for Garba events, they should chant “Jai Shri Ram” and apply tilak on their foreheads. 

“Muslims want to be in Garba [events]. Why just Garba, come permanently, we are ready. Come and chant Jai Shri Ram, apply tilak on foreheads, and protect ‘gau mata’ [cow]. ,” he said, adding that nobody had a problem with it. 

“And just boys want to come? Bring your sisters and daughters from home. Our boys are also ready,” said Mr. Sharma, who is known for his controversial remarks on religious matters.  

Mr. Sharma’s remarks drew sharp reactions from Congress MLA from Bhopal Central, Arif Masood, and State president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Mohsin Ali Khan. 

Mr. Masood described Mr. Sharma as a “hate monger” while condemning his language. 

“First of all, Muslims have nothing to do with Garba. Nor do they have anything to do with it. Second, the language Rameshwar Sharma is using, I would tell him to mend his ways. Don’t be rude. This is going too far. Don’t be so rude,” Mr. Masood told news agency PTI. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Khan dubbed the remarks as divisive while suggesting that Mr. Sharma should talk to senior Muslim leaders of his party on the matter. 

“I want to tell Rameshwar Sharma ji that what he has said definitely works to divide this country. He should now take this up with his senior leaders in the Bharatiya Janata Party. He should talk to Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. He should talk to Shahnawaz Hussain,” he said, adding that the BJP MLA needed to read the Constitution. 

“Article 25 gives every citizen of this country the freedom to wear what they want, to follow whatever religion they choose, and the freedom to marry people of any religion. Inter-faith marriage is allowed. The Special Marriage Act provides the freedom to do so. Rameshwar Sharma ji needs to read the Constitution...Rameshwar Sharma ji only talks about attacking the Constitution, about appeasement, and about pitting two religions against each other. We condemn and oppose all those people who work to divide this country,” he said. 

Hindutva and right-wing leaders have for years alleged that Muslim youth attend Garba events and indulge in “love jihad”, a term they use to accusing Muslim men of “luring” Hindu women into relationships with them. 

Mr. Sharma later stood by his remarks on Tuesday (September 22), saying that Garba events were not for entertainment while accusing Muslim men of teasing Hindu girls and “entrapping them in love jihad”. 

“This is not entertainment. And if Muslims have developed so much love and attachment to Sanatan, then kindly, why do only their boys come? Come, bring your sisters and daughters, bring your mothers and fathers,” he said. 

“But if you come to Garba and indulge in activities like love jihad and teasing Hindu sisters and daughters, then India’s Sanatani youth will give you a befitting reply,” he added.