Shiv Sena Leader Defends Chhath Puja Amid Political Controversy in Mumbai
Kishori Pednekar clarifies Shiv Senas stance on Chhath Puja, emphasizing opposition to political exploitation rather than the festival itself.
Mumbai, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : Political tensions surrounding Chhath Puja in Mumbai have intensified recently. Kishori Pednekar, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), responded to comments made by Rohini Acharya, daughter of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadav. Pednekar asserted that Shiv Sena has never opposed Chhath Puja, but rather the political maneuvering associated with it.
In an interview, Pednekar recalled that in 2017, over 900 families from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh resided in her ward, Ward 199, where Chhath Puja has been celebrated for years. “This is not a new occurrence,” she stated, noting that devotees would gather at local water bodies to perform rituals, complete with lights, music, and offerings.
She emphasized that while Chhath Puja has been a long-standing tradition in Mumbai, this year it has been overshadowed by political agendas. Her objections stem from the politicization of the festival, not the celebration itself.
Pednekar pointed out that a court ruling prohibits the festival from taking place on the beach, suggesting instead that designated points for the rituals be established, similar to the arrangements made for Ganesh immersion. “There are many ponds in Bihar where the rituals can be conducted,” she remarked.
Directly addressing Rohini Acharya, Pednekar urged her to engage in dialogue with Uddhav and Raj Thackeray in Mumbai, stating, “We have never opposed Chhath Puja, but we are discussing the politics surrounding it.”
Clarifying her position, Pednekar affirmed that Shiv Sena respects all festivals, whether Hindu, Christian, or Muslim. “Bala Saheb Thackeray taught us to honor those who respect our country, Maharashtra, and Mumbai’s traditions,” she concluded.
