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The recent statement by BJP leader Chintu Verma from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, urging garba organisers to require participants to sip cow urine before entering pandals during Navratri has sparked a heated controversy. Verma's suggestion, made to reporters, has been met with severe backlash from opposition parties, who perceive it as a blatant attempt to further political polarisation in the state. The issue has ignited a debate surrounding the role of religious practices in public life, with critics highlighting the potential for such demands to create division and prejudice.
Garba, a vibrant folk dance form originating from Gujarat, has gained immense popularity across India. During the nine-day festival of Navratri, garba pandals are erected in various cities and towns, attracting large crowds. Verma, emphasizing the significance of cow urine in Sanatan culture, justified his demand by asserting that a Hindu would never refuse aachaman, a ritual purification practice involving a sip of water. He argued that while Aadhaar cards can be manipulated, a Hindu's adherence to religious customs cannot be questioned. This statement has been met with strong criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Congress.
Congress spokesperson Neelabh Shukla condemned Verma's demand, accusing the BJP of using cow urine for political gain while remaining silent on the plight of cows. He pointed out that the party has been neglecting the welfare of cows and their shelters, focusing instead on exploiting religious sentiments to further their political agenda. The controversy surrounding Verma's statement has exposed a deeper societal tension concerning religious practices and their place in public spaces. The issue has further underscored the delicate balance between individual freedom and the potential for religious beliefs to be used for political manipulation.