INDORE: BJP state chief Nandkumar Singh Chauhan on Sunday endorsed party MLA Usha Thakur’s demand to allow entry into garba venues to only those who possess valid identity cards. Chauhan said ID proof is a must to prevent entry of elements like the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), who are active in the region and can vitiate peace.

Chauhan said party workers were not against members of any community but proper checking of identity proofs of those entering the venue is a must from the security standpoint.

A few days ago Thakur had remarked that no devout Muslim should attend garba as it amounted to worshipping idol of Goddess Durga, which is against Islam. On Sunday, the party chief said “Garba is worship of Goddess Durga in form of dance and Muslims believe in one god and they don’t worship idols. Even if they still want to be part of festivity we are not against it. We are against entry of elements from organizations like SIMI and youths associated with any allied outfit having wrong and evil intentions.”