Ramdas Athawale Rejects Calls To Bar Muslims From Garba Events, Says India Runs On Constitution
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has strongly objected to the decision to prevent Muslims from participating in Garba and Dandiya celebrations during , saying that the constitution does not have any provisions for barring Muslims from attending the celebrations.
Athawale is on his way to Chhattisgarh for a one-day visit to the state, and was addressing reporters during the event. The Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief said the spirit of harmony and respect for different religions and cultures is still vital to the social fabric of India.
The minister’s observation was in response to an appeal by (VHP) Maharashtra leaders that those who do not believe in idol worship should not attend Garba and Dandiya gatherings.
He said that such demands were unwarranted and the people of various religious communities have the right to celebrate each other’s festivals and religious events.
He emphasised that India is where people of various faiths such as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Lingayats and Parsis lived.
The Constitution, drafted by Dr BR Ambedkar, gives equal justice and protection to all citizens, irrespective of their religion, Athawale said.
Athawale also cited a case of interfaith participation in the form of Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan.
He pointed out that Hindus flock to the shrine, which reflects India’s practice of communities following one another’s religions and culture, and that they are welcome to visit the shrine.
The remarks coincide with a broader discussion on the issue of participation in Garba related activities, especially in Maharashtra where some Hindu groups have voiced their discontent about the participation of Muslims.
The Union minister also took up the ongoing issue of caste reservations, saying that people who are against affirmative action are not the constitutional followers of the Constitution.
Introducing the reservations, Athawale said they were to give more opportunities and help to the weaker and weaker sections of the society.
He said, referring to the Constitution’s abolition of untouchability under Article 17, discrimination and atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis were continuing even after the enactment of the Constitution.
He said that reservations will be required till the time the caste-based discrimination is eradicated from the society.
As long as there is casteism in the society, there is no harm in affirmative action to protect and empower disadvantaged groups, said Athawale, who stated that the communities would be ready to give up reservation once the problem of casteism was resolved.