Mumbai Railway Stations’ Bhojpuri Chhath Songs Prompt Opposition From Shiv Sena UBT and MNS

Bhojpuri devotional songs for Chhath Puja have been playing through public announcement systems at major Mumbai stations on the Central and Harbour lines in recent days. The stations include Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus and Wadala. Officials told passengers who questioned the songs that they were being played on Railway Board instructions. Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena have opposed the move. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned why the railway does not play Maharashtra’s official song, “Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza,” or patriotic songs such as “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon.” The songs have added to tensions over Chhath Puja events and permission to worship at water bodies in Maharashtra.