# BJP MLA’s garba remark on Muslim men sparks political row 2026-09-22T11:41:51+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 3 independent outlets BJP MLA from Bhopal Rameshwar Sharma has stirred a controversy after a video surfaced showing him telling Muslim men attending garba events to also bring their sisters and daughters, and saying 'our boys are ready.' The remark, made during a public event, drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders including Congress MLA Arif Masood, who called it 'vile and cheap.' Following the backlash, Sharma clarified his statement, saying Navratri is a festival of worship, not entertainment. He said Muslims who have developed love for Sanatan should bring their families and participate in worship, not just watch. AIMIM state president Mohsin Ali Khan accused Sharma of trying to divide the country, and All India Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi asked if Sharma would send his own daughters and sisters to a mosque. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Coverage is uniform straight reporting across all three outlets, with each quoting the MLA's original remark, the subsequent clarification, and opposition reactions without favouring any side. NDTV and Hindustan Times lead with the controversy, while Times of India also includes the clarification early. The key difference is in the range of critics cited: Times of India adds AIMIM and the Imam Association, giving more space to opposition voices. No source questions the authenticity of the video. The real news will be whether Sharma's party distances itself or the remark becomes a campaign issue in the upcoming state elections. ## Coverage - ndtv.com (neutral report) Leads with the remark, quotes the MLA and critic Arif Masood, no editorialising. - hindustantimes.com (neutral report) Reports remark, clarification, and Congress criticism, notes video authenticity unverified. - timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) Quotes MLA, AIMIM and Imam Association leaders, no slant detected. Tags: Arif Masood, BJP, Madhya Pradesh, Navratri, Rameshwar Sharma Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/bjp-mlas-muslim-garba-remark-sparks-political-row/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/bjp-mlas-muslim-garba-remark-sparks-political-row/#story-in-brief