MUMBAI — A fierce political dispute has erupted across Maharashtra following remarks by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray accusing the ruling coalition of exploiting Chhath Puja and engineering cultural friction ahead of upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh.
The controversy follows an incident earlier in the week where MNS workers intervened to halt the playing of Bhojpuri songs at select railway stations across Mumbai. In a detailed public statement, Thackeray alleged that the ruling party was attempting to manufacture social and regional discord in the financial capital to influence electoral outcomes in northern states, asserting that divide-and-rule tactics would fail.
Ruling Alliance and Opposition Reactions
The remarks drew swift condemnation from governing partners, alongside vocal backing from specific opposition factions regarding regional identity:
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Ruling Coalition Counter-Stance: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam strongly criticized Thackeray’s remarks, labeling his stance objectionable and arguing that Chhath Puja has been celebrated for millennia completely independent of political calendars or regional elections.
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Debate on Cultural Preservation: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the ruling administration of promoting the festival solely for vote-bank consolidation, emphasizing that local traditions must be respected.
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Support from Congress: Senior Congress leader Husain Dalwai echoed regional concerns, maintaining that Mumbai’s core identity must be safeguarded against external cultural shifts.
