Bhojpuri songs at Mumbai stations before Chhath draw objections from Marathi groups, commuter bodies

A controversy has erupted over Bhojpuri songs being played at stations on Mumbai's suburban railway network ahead of Chhath Puja. Members of railway commuter organisations allege that this ignored the identity of Maharashtra's Marathi language and culture.

Railway commuter activist Shailesh Raut said, "Railway officials are needlessly creating controversy through their own actions. If the administration focuses on passenger safety and facilities, we will be able to say with pride that rail travel is pleasant and safe."

The Kalyan-Kasara-Karjat Railway Yatri Sangh said it had lodged a strong objection to Bhojpuri songs being played at high volume at Thane, Ambivli and other suburban stations. The Sangh wants it established who permitted these broadcasts, and disciplinary action, including suspension if necessary.

Sangh representative Rajesh Ghanghav alleged that some officials of the Central Railway administration have repeatedly ignored Marathi, the official language of Maharashtra. He said, "Under the guise of Chhath Puja events, Bhojpuri songs are being played at high volume at Thane, Ambivli and other suburban stations. We see this as a deliberate disregard of Maharashtra's regional identity and linguistic sentiments."

Ghanghav clarified that the Sangh is not against Chhath Puja or the religious traditions of any community. He said, "But such activities should not be carried out in a way that ignores the linguistic and cultural identity of Mumbai and Maharashtra."

Commuter activist Lata Argade said songs were also played on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. She said it had been expected that Marathi festival songs would be played at stations in Maharashtra. She said those responsible, while celebrating a festival associated with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, seem to have forgotten Maharashtra's festivals, and should be questioned.

Argade also took a dig at political parties. She said, "Twelve years ago, political parties questioned the then Congress government with the slogan 'Where have you taken my Maharashtra?' Today those same parties seem to have taken Maharashtra straight to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh."

She asked, "Why are songs of our festivals not played at railway stations? Why this discrimination against our own festivals in our own Maharashtra? And most importantly, is Chhath Puja a national festival? This is my question to the railway administration."

The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti (Maharashtra State) has submitted a formal complaint to Mumbai's Divisional Railway Manager. It expresses serious concern over religious songs and messages being broadcast on the railway's public announcement system on Mumbai's Central and Harbour lines during Chhath Puja.

In its letter, the Samiti wrote that Indian Railways is a public institution and must follow religious neutrality, equality and constitutional principles. It asked whether railway rules permit such broadcasts, and whether equal facilities are given for other religious and cultural festivals.

The Samiti has sought details of the permissions granted, the rules that apply, and the effect on passenger safety and essential announcements. It demands an inquiry, appropriate action if rules were broken, and a written reply from railway officials in the interest of transparency, public safety and equal treatment of all communities.

Central Railway officials said various jingles and awareness messages are played at stations on different occasions. Central Railway chief spokesperson Dr Swapnil Nila said, "In view of Chhath Puja, festival songs are being played at some select stations, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, from where special trains are being run. These songs are played in the intervals when essential passenger information or train announcements are not being made." He also said the playing of the songs has already been stopped.