‘Raj Thackeray Appears Only During Chhath, Just Like Frogs Emerge During The Monsoon’: Rohini Acharya

Bihar: A remark by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray regarding the public celebration of Chhath Puja in Maharashtra has triggered a political controversy, escalating tensions between Bihar and Maharashtra.

After Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, Rohini Acharya, daughter of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, has now launched a sharp attack on Raj Thackeray.

‘A Tactic to Stay in the Headlines’: Rohini Acharya

Comparing Raj Thackeray to a ‘rainy-season frog’, Rohini Acharya said that just as frogs emerge with the arrival of the monsoon, Raj Thackeray starts making controversial statements as Chhath Puja approaches.

She alleged that the MNS chief makes such remarks merely to grab media attention and remain in the spotlight.

Rohini further said that Maharashtra is an integral part of India and every citizen has the constitutional right to settle in any part of the country, celebrate festivals according to their faith and contest elections.

Calling Raj Thackeray's remarks on Chhath an insult to the religious sentiments of people from Bihar, she described him as a ‘rioter’ and said such people should not be given importance.

Rohini Seeks Response from BJP Leadership

Amid the controversy, Rohini Acharya also questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior BJP leaders extend greetings to people on Chhath Puja through social media. Therefore, they should clarify their stand on Raj Thackeray's remarks.

Questioning the government's functioning, she demanded that North Indians and people from Bihar living in Maharashtra be given complete freedom to celebrate their festivals without fear.

What Is the Controversy About?

Raj Thackeray-led MNS has strongly objected to public Chhath Puja celebrations in Mumbai. The party has submitted a letter to the Mumbai Police, requesting that permission not be granted for Chhath Puja celebrations in the Banganga area.

The MNS argues that religious rituals at Girgaon Chowpatty and other coastal areas leave behind large amounts of waste, causing environmental damage.

Additionally, Raj Thackeray had described videos and reels related to Chhath Puja shared on social media as a ‘cultural invasion’.

He also claimed that MNS workers had thwarted attempts to play Bhojpuri songs at several railway stations in Mumbai.

Following these developments, the exchange of accusations between political leaders in Bihar and Maharashtra has intensified.