Navi Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Avadhesh Shukla has backed Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's remarks over the playing of songs and bhajans at railway stations during Chhath Puja celebrations. Shukla argued that railway station announcements should primarily provide information about passengers and train services rather than being used to play music.

Speaking on the issue, Avadhesh Shukla questioned whether Chhath Puja celebrations had been stopped during the Congress government or the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government's tenure. He alleged that the recent activities surrounding Chhath Puja at railway stations were deliberately staged in view of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections.

Avadhesh Shukla Questions Music at Railway Stations

Shukla said that playing music and bhajans at railway stations could affect the functioning of the railway system. According to him, railway platforms should remain focused on providing essential information about trains and passengers.

He also referred to the recent Ganpati Utsav celebrations, questioning whether Ganpati songs had been played at railway stations in a similar manner.

Shukla Accuses BJP of Politicising Chhath Puja

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader accused the BJP government of failing and alleged that the controversy was being created to divert attention from its shortcomings. He further claimed that such actions were bringing Chhath Puja into unnecessary political controversy.

Shukla emphasised that Chhath Puja is traditionally performed at ponds, riverbanks and seashores. He said devotees should be free to perform their bhajans, kirtans and prayers at these locations, questioning the need to play music through railway station announcement systems.

Backs Raj Thackeray's Remarks

Reiterating his support for Raj Thackeray, Shukla said that railway station announcements should be reserved for passenger-related information and train updates rather than songs and music.

His remarks have added another political voice to the debate surrounding Chhath Puja celebrations and the use of railway station announcement systems.