Controversy Erupts Over Chhath Songs in Mumbai, Congress Leader Questions BJPs Motives

Mumbai, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Political tensions are escalating in Mumbai surrounding the celebration of Chhath Puja, a significant festival for many. Congress leader Hussain Dalwai has stirred controversy by suggesting that if people wish to celebrate Chhath, they should travel to Uttar Pradesh or Bihar instead of doing so in Mumbai.

Dalwai’s remarks come in the wake of complaints from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) activists, who objected to the playing of Chhath songs at local railway stations. MNS chief Raj Thackeray highlighted this issue in a recent social media post.

In an interview, Dalwai questioned the necessity of playing Chhath songs at railway stations, implying that it may serve as a platform for promoting the BJP. “We do not celebrate Chhath Puja in Maharashtra,” he stated. “It is wrong to impose this festival on our minds.”

In another context, Dalwai commented on a mention of social activist Anna Hazare in Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s book. He expressed curiosity about Hazare’s silence regarding corruption scandals that have surfaced since the BJP came to power in 2014. “Why is he not staging a hunger strike in Delhi now?” Dalwai asked. He noted that Hazare had received significant support during earlier protests against Congress.

Meanwhile, in response to the ongoing celebrations of Chhath Puja, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam criticized Thackeray’s statements on social media. He remarked, “Your political defeat has left you confused and frustrated. Do not hurt the sentiments associated with anyone’s worship.” Nirupam emphasized that such statements are often made to provoke religious sentiments during the festival.

He urged his colleagues to engage in political discourse but cautioned against politicizing religious practices or rituals. “We have plenty of issues to discuss in politics, but religious observances should remain untouched by political agendas,” he concluded.