Mumbai: A controversy erupted on Thursday over the playing of Bhojpuri songs at some train stations in Mumbai ahead of the Chhath Puja, with the move drawing criticism and raising questions over the use of Railway announcement systems for cultural events.

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The issue came to light after videos of Bhojpuri songs being played at Railway stations surfaced on social media, drawing objections from some sections of Marathi-speaking people and activists of certain political parties.

While some Opposition parties questioned the Railways' move, a Cabinet minister from the BJP said Maharashtra Day celebrations and other events are organised in other states too.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should take a stand for the state's cultural pride, adding the same stand should be taken by the Mumbai Mayor and everyone else.

One can celebrate a festival, but it should not be an attack on Maharashtra's culture, he said.

"They will not play Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha (Maharashtra Geet) or Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon songs. The songs played don't fit into any rules. There is a need to take a stand on this," the Rajya Sabha MP said.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raju Patil questioned the need to celebrate festivals from other states by playing Chhath Puja songs instead of giving priority to Maharashtra's festivals and culture.

"The question is not about opposing Chhath Puja or any community's festival. But will Maharashtra's festivals and Marathi culture receive the respect they deserve in Maharashtra?" Patil asked.

Shiv Sena leader Naresh Mhaske said the Bhojpuri songs were stopped, and there was no need for such criticism.

Responding to the controversy, a Central Railway (CR) spokesperson said various jingles and awareness messages related to specific themes are played at stations on different occasions.

"At some stations, including Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, from where special trains are being operated (to clear festival rush), songs are being played ahead of the Chhath Puja (to be celebrated later this week)," the spokesperson said.

Defending the move, the spokesperson insisted these are played during the additional time available, apart from the time required to broadcast essential information to passengers.

The issue has also sparked a debate over whether similar recognition should be given to Maharashtra's festivals and regional cultural traditions at Railway stations.

Reacting to the controversy, State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said, "One must understand that Marathi songs are also played and will continue to be played (at stations). Prime Minister Narendra Modi had decided to celebrate Maharashtra Day at every Lok Bhavan, and I have personally attended one such event in Patna."

"I was also in Indore to attend a Marathi food festival. Such programmes are held everywhere. Those who are now making allegations are doing so without having proper information," the BJP leader added.

Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to the Sun God and Goddess Chhathi Maiya, is celebrated prominently in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Migrants from these states celebrate Chhath Puja in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Mathrubhumi and is published from a syndicated feed.)