'Garba Mein Bahen-Betiyan Le Kar Aayein’: BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma Invites Muslims to Garba, Says ‘Our Boys Are Ready’ (Video)

A fresh political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma made remarks about the participation of Muslims in Garba events during Navratri. Sharma said Muslims were welcome to attend Garba programmes but questioned why only young men should come and asked them to bring their sisters and daughters as well.

The remarks, made at a public event in Bhopal, have drawn criticism from Congress leaders and come amid a wider debate in Madhya Pradesh over participation and entry rules at Garba and Dandiya events ahead of Navratri. Should Muslims Be Banned From Navratri Garba Events? Amruta Fadnavis Responds After VHP's Ban Call (Video).

What Rameshwar Sharma Said About Garba

According to videos and reports of the event, Sharma said Muslims who wanted to attend Garba could do so. He also said they could participate more permanently, apply tilak and chant “Jai Shri Ram”.

He then questioned why Muslim men should come to Garba alone and said they should bring their sisters and daughters, adding that “our boys” were ready as well. Sharma also referred to protecting cows and said he had no objection to Muslims attending if they followed the conditions he described.

Rameshwar Sharma’s Garba Remark on Muslims Sparks Row

Congress MLA Arif Masood Reacts

Congress MLA Arif Masood criticised Sharma's remarks, calling them inappropriate and accusing him of disturbing the religious atmosphere around the festival. The comments have added to an ongoing political exchange between BJP and Opposition leaders in Bhopal over religious participation and public statements. Garba, Dandiya in Maharashtra: VHP Issues Guidelines To Keep Muslims out of Events.

Garba Participation Debate Ahead of Navratri

The controversy comes as Garba and Dandiya events are being organised across Madhya Pradesh ahead of Navratri. In recent years, participation by people from different communities, identity verification and entry conditions at some Garba events have become subjects of public and political debate. The latest remarks by Sharma have brought the issue back into focus in Bhopal, with Opposition leaders questioning the tone and implications of his comments.

Rameshwar Sharma Was Recently in Another Controversy

The Garba remarks come days after Sharma faced criticism over another statement involving Bhopal's Qazi Camp. In early September, a video circulated in which he referred to firing a missile from Karond towards Qazi Camp. Sharma later clarified that he was referring to Qazi Camp in Islamabad rather than the locality in Bhopal.

The earlier remarks triggered a political exchange involving AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who subsequently responded to Sharma during a public event in Bhopal. The latest Garba controversy is therefore unfolding against the backdrop of heightened political exchanges in Madhya Pradesh as the Navratri season approaches.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 22, 2026 10:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).