Don't spoil peaceful atmosphere of Maharashtra, says Nitesh Rane

Amid the ongoing Navratri festival Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has warned against spoiling the peaceful atmosphere of the state reported news agency PTIDuring a visit to a Durga pandal organised by Sakal Hindu Samaj in Mumbais Mankhurd area on Wednesday Rane also said no one will be allowed to disrespect Hindu gods and goddesses during the festivalNotably tensions flared after an idol of Goddess Durga was allegedly desecrated in Mankhurd on Sunday night leading to a clash between two groupsRane said the ruling Mahayuti in the state is a Hindutvawadi government elected with the support of Hindu votes and that the people who wear the gol topi did not vote for it reported PTIThe BJP leader warned against spoiling the peaceful atmosphere of the stateCelebrate your festivals peacefully and we will celebrate ours Dont look at us sideways he said reported PTIWe will not tolerate anyone trying to disturb Mumbais atmosphere the minister said reported PTIIf anyone needs permission to celebrate festivals they should just call the government and permissions will be granted quickly he saidRane participated in maha aarti during the eventThe minister on Monday claimed garba events during Navratri are becoming epicentres of love jihad and backed the VHPs advisory asking organisers of such programmes to thoroughly check identity documents of participantsNavratri marked by traditional spiritual garba dance accompanied by dandiya striking of colourful sticks performance where pairs dance in circles will be celebrated from September 22 to October 1The VHP on September 20 said only Hindus should be given entry to garba events and advised organisers to check the Aadhaar card of entrants for identification to avoid instances of love jihadA leader of the VHP said the entry of nonHindus should be restricted during garba which he described as a sacred worship and not merely a dance programme or a cultural eventGarba is not merely a dance but a form of worship to please the goddess They apparent reference to Muslims do not believe in idol worship Only those having faith in the rituals must be allowed to participate VHP national spokesperson Shriraj Nair told PTIVHP and Bajrang Dal workers will monitor the events Garba is a form of worship not entertainment Those who do not have faith in the goddess should not be part of it Nair addedWhile Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said organisers have the right to set conditions of entry at an event provided it is being held with police permission the Congresss Vijay Wadettiwar slammed the VHP for wanting to set society on fireWith inputs from PTI