Vadodara: The city unit of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the opposition Congress party’s demand for free Garba passes as “impractical.” On Tuesday, the Vadodara City Congress submitted a memorandum to the district collector, urging Garba organizers to provide free passes for women participants.

Speaking on the matter, BJP Vadodara city unit president Dr. Vijay Shah explained that the costs of organizing Garba events in Vadodara make it impossible to offer free entry. He noted, “Vadodara’s Garbas are renowned and unique. In earlier times, when the events were smaller and relied on vocal singers, expenses were minimal. However, with the use of advanced technology today, the costs have significantly increased. Initially, only men were charged, but now both men and women are required to pay.”

He also pointed out that many of Vadodara’s Garba organizers are associated with non-profit organizations, using proceeds from ticket sales for charitable purposes. “The funds raised are often directed towards good causes, including flood relief efforts. Given this, it is impractical to demand that Garba events be free.”

Earlier, the Congress, in its memorandum, requested that the district collector, municipal commissioner, and charity commissioner, under whom many Garba organizers operate as NGOs, issue instructions to distribute free passes to women participants. The party argued that, following the recent devastating floods in Vadodara, offering free passes would allow women to participate in Garba as part of their devotion to the Goddess. DeshGujarat