A Madhya Pradesh minister who less than a week ago had said identity cards will be needed for entering garba pandals in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh has now “welcomed” Muslims at the pandals, if “they are fine with idol worship.”
Usha Thakur, the Madhya Pradesh Minister for Culture, had issued a warning in view of what she claimed to be rising incidents of “love jihad” in the state, saying that all participants must now carry identity proof in order to enter garba venues.
Now she has said Muslims will be welcomed at garba pandals if their sacred scripture allows them idol worship.
“Muslims are most welcome to garba pandals, provided they have faith in idol worship and their holy scripture allows them idol worship. They aren’t being invited to garba, but if they are so high in faith for garbas, then they should have faith in idol worship, which should be allowed by their sacred scripture as well,” Ms Thakur told reporters.
“Also, Muslim men who have faith in pursuing idol worship will only be welcomed at garba venues if they come along with their female family members,” the minister said.
Madhya Pradesh minister Usha Thakur who less than a week ago had said identity cards will be needed for entering garba pandals in Madhya Pradesh has now “welcomed” Muslims at the pandals, if “they are fine with idol worship.” @ndtv @ndtvindia pic.twitter.com/O9421apYKT
— Anurag Dwary (@Anurag_Dwary) September 13, 2022
