Prashant Kishor and Chirag Paswan criticise Raj Thackeray over Chhath Puja remarks
The leaders accused the MNS chief of using regionalism to gain media attention and spotlight.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray faced criticism from Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor and Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday regarding his comments on the Chhath Puja festival. According to Telangana Today, Kishor and Paswan accused Thackeray of attempting to garner spotlight and indulging in regionalism.
The controversy follows a social media post by Thackeray, in which he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to manufacture regional and linguistic conflict in Mumbai. Thackeray claimed the BJP was circulating reels on social media depicting rituals as a 'cultural invasion' to reap political dividends in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
Thackeray also alleged that attempts were made to play Bhojpuri music at certain railway stations in Mumbai, which he said were stopped by the MNS. He suggested these actions were intended to create tension ahead of the elections.
Speaking in Patna, Kishor said Thackeray makes remarks about people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to secure media space when he is not receiving attention. He stated that Thackeray's agenda is to remain in the spotlight by any means necessary.
LJP-Ram Vilas chief Chirag Paswan said the MNS has consistently promoted regionalism. He noted that people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh contribute to the country's economy as labourers, workforce, or entrepreneurs.
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) National Spokesperson Vinod Bansal urged leaders to rise above politics during festival celebrations, stating that Hindu festivals should be above politics.