Raut tells Centre not to play UP politics in Mumbai after Bhojpuri songs aired at stations on Chhath

Bhojpuri songs were played at some railway stations in Mumbai on the occasion of Chhath Puja, drawing surprise and anger. The matter has begun to have a political fallout. Sanjay Raut, a leader of the Thackeray faction, reacted to it and, speaking to the media, warned that Uttar Pradesh politics should not be played out in Mumbai.

Raut said, "Do not do the politics of the Uttar Pradesh election in Mumbai. Mumbai's platform is for announcements, not for songs. Songs are not played on platforms on Diwali, Holi, Christmas and Eid. There is an election in Uttar Pradesh, which is why Maharashtra's platforms are being used. Do not overpower the state's culture. It is this that leads to confrontation. Chhath Puja is a festival, so celebrate it as a festival. We too will join your celebration."

In the same conversation, Raut took a dig at the merger of the two Nationalist parties. He said this game of merger-merger should be brought into the National Games, and that a merger-merger event should also be included in the Olympics. According to him, the game is going well in Maharashtra, people are being entertained and feel they are taking part in it too. Raut said big players are joining in and people have become experts at the game. He joked that he would write to the Prime Minister about it.

Raut also said the Nationalist leaders are still playing in the lane and are practising slowly. According to him, the match will remain inconclusive to the end. The players will keep playing, it will rain, clouds will come and someone will dig up the pitch midway. He said his party is not keeping watch on this game, which is being played among themselves.

Raut said Sharad Pawar will remain a mentor only in cricket and will not take part in this game. According to him, the Chief Minister wants to act as umpire in the game. Raut said, "Ask me and take the decision, that is, fixing. Their subject always remains fixing." He taunted that the Chief Minister's policy is to fix the result first and then go out to play.