Opposition attacks VHP guidelines, alleges contradiction in Bhagwat's statement!

Opposition leaders on Sunday took a jibe at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, saying he seemed to have left some of his luggage in the US as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announced a ban on participation of Muslims in Garba and Dandiya programs in Maharashtra. The VHP has also asked the event organizers to investigate and verify the Hindu identity of the participants.

This taunt of the opposition was in reference to the remarks made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat at the “One World, One Humanity” (One World, One Humanity) religious leaders conference held in New York. Bhagwat had said that the Hindu who believes that there is no place for Muslims in India ceases to be a Hindu.

He stressed that Hindutva accepts the dignity of every human being and recognizes the idea that different paths can lead to the same truth.

Speaking to IANS, RJD MP Manoj Jha criticized the Maharashtra government led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that it seems that Fadnavis has handed over the work of governance to someone else, as if now the work of administration will be looked after by VHP.

Referring to the Sangh chief's speech in New York, he said that perhaps he might have forgotten some of his belongings in America and along with it, the things he had said there were also left behind there. They should bring that stuff back and explain it to their people. He further said that please do not tamper with the character of this country.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said who says that Muslims cannot play Garba. People of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, who have recently started calling themselves experts in religious matters, are giving such statements.

Describing 'Garba' as a tradition of the country, Raut said that Muslims have also made an important contribution in India's freedom struggle and cultural history.

Agreeing with the RJD MP, he said that Mohan Bhagwat goes abroad and says that there should be no discrimination between Hindus and Muslims in our country. Be it political, cultural or religious. He had also said that a Hindu who believes that Muslims should be expelled from India is no longer a Hindu and people associated with him are doing such activities here.

Furthermore, Raut asked the RSS chief to comment on the issue saying that giving separate statements in India and New York would not work.

Opposing this move of VHP, Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy said that it is completely communal. Garba is a cultural festival and anyone can participate in it. We strongly condemn this ban on Garba.