Bajrang Dal leader warns to Telangana dandiya organisers over alleged ‘love jihad’

HYDERABAD: Bajrang Dal Telangana convener Siva Ramulu on Tuesday warned that Muslims should not attend Devi Navratri dandiya events, saying their participation gives rise to “love jihad” and that Bajrang Dal workers would “deal” with organisers who allow non-Hindus.

He told organisers that the festival is “Hindu-only” and accused non-Hindu attendees of entering festivities “wrongfully” and “subjecting our girls to ‘love jihad’.” He added: “If we see any non-Hindu participant, the Bajrang Dal workers will teach them a lesson,” dismissing the prospect of police action.

Organisers and the police were not named in his remarks in the statements carried by local outlets. The convener’s call follows similar warnings issued by the group in previous years asking event managers to restrict participation and vet staff.

“Love jihad” is a conspiracy theory alleging Muslim men deliberately seduce non-Muslim women to marry and convert them to Islam. The term is widely used by campaigners and critics, though it is contested and has been the subject of legal and political debate.

No police response to Siva Ramulu’s latest warning was available at the time of reporting. Journalists asked for comment from Hyderabad police did not immediately reply.