A conflict arose during the celebration of Navratri and the performance of the Garba dance at Surat Medical College. Some individuals approached the organizers with questions regarding why Muslim staff members were participating in the Garba game. The organizers explained that these employees are part of their staff. However, one attendee stated, 'Even if a Muslim is your employee, we will not allow him to play.'
This incident took place in the Olpad area of Surat city, Gujarat state, where Garba was organized during Navratri. Employees of Muslim origin participated in the event. This drew a reaction from Bajang Dal activists, who expressed their disagreement. A video recording of this dispute is currently circulating on social media.
The viral video features a person in a black coat and glasses, reportedly connected to the organizers or management. Several Bajang Dal activists are standing in front of him. The discussion began with a question about the participation of Muslim employees in Garba. The organizers asserted that all participants in the event were playing Garba. One of the activists countered by asking whether Muslims were participating in Garba. The organizers replied that they were part of their personnel.
The discussion escalated when the activists declared that employment status did not grant the right to participate in Garba. They emphasized that it was a festival dedicated to the Mother and that only Hindus should participate. The issue of 'love jihad' was also raised during the conversation. The activists voiced concerns about the participation of people from other communities in Garba events and urged the organizers to be vigilant regarding the safety of women and girls.
In the video, the activists demand that the organizers immediately remove the Muslim staff members and announce that non-Hindus will not participate in Garba starting the next day. One of them also mentioned having submitted a prior application and insisted on barring non-Hindus. The conversation also touched upon the necessity of applying tilak and bowing before the Mother. The activists demanded the exclusion of anyone who refused to comply with these conditions.
The organizers objected to such interference, claiming it was inappropriate to interfere with private property. They also stated that if any problem arose with a college employee, the responsibility would lie with the management. The activists responded by stating their intention to arrive in greater numbers the next day. In the video, they are heard demanding identity checks and control over who participates in Garba. Their requirement was that no non-Hindus should be seen at the event from the next day onwards. The organizers responded that the event was nearing its end, and a decision would be made after consultation with the management the following day.
Sujit Singh Rajput, a Bajang Dal coordinator from the Rander area in Surat, confirmed the authenticity of the viral video. He reported receiving information that people from the Muslim community were playing Garba at the medical college. Following this, he and his activists went to the college premises. Rajput stated that he instructed the organizers not to allow Muslim staff members to participate in Garba. Thus, the protest shown in the video was related to the organization's objection to the participation of Muslim personnel.
The position of the organizers is also important in this dispute. In the video, they assert that Muslim employees are part of the college staff. They also claim that rules cannot be arbitrarily imposed on someone else's property, and that the matter will be reviewed at the management level. The activists insist on a public announcement banning non-Hindus from participating starting the next day. The organizers reply that they will make a decision after consulting with the management. Currently, thanks to the viral video, this issue is in the spotlight, but no official statements have been issued by the college administration or the police.