Bhojpuri songs at Mumbai stations for Chhath spark Marathi vs Bhojpuri row; Pednekar questions CM

The political temperature has risen over Bhojpuri songs being played at railway stations in Mumbai. On the occasion of Chhath Puja, Bhojpuri songs were played at some stations on the Central and Harbour railway lines. The Thackeray faction, the MNS and several other organisations objected. The railway administration then put forward its position. Despite the railways' clarification, a fresh Marathi versus Bhojpuri controversy appears to be continuing.

The railways said that for Chhath Puja, a large number of passengers travel from Maharashtra to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh via Mumbai. It said about 50,000 to 60,000 passengers will travel daily over the next three to four days. Central Railway Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila said cultural songs were being played between announcements, keeping in mind the cultural sentiments of these passengers.

The decision has stirred the issue of local language and culture. Several political organisations in the state and non-political groups working for the Marathi language have objected strongly. Their stand is that cultural invasion of any kind will not be tolerated in the state. A major row appears to be brewing again.

Thackeray faction leader Kishori Pednekar directly targeted the chief minister. She asked whether Maharashtra had been taken and placed in Bihar and UP. She sharply criticised the government.

Pednekar said that UP and Bihar are improving, but the Maharashtra chief minister is taking Maharashtra in the same direction. Referring to talk of changing the Constitution, she also questioned the government's role.

Pednekar alleged that Bhojpuri songs were being played loudly at railway stations in Mumbai. She said that if essential railway announcements and timetable information were being set aside to give priority to songs, that was wrong.

She also asked whether Maharashtra's songs would be played at railway stations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Pednekar said she was not against songs, but local language and culture must be respected.