Mumbai: The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has faced severe criticism after Bhojpuri songs and a dance performance were featured at an event held in Borivli to distribute Marathi language proficiency certificates to autorickshaw and taxi drivers. The certificates were given by Shinde for courses conducted by Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh for non-Marathi autorickshaw and taxi drivers.Sharing a clip of women dancing at the event on X, Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Akhil Chitre posted: “This video is of a colorful event in Borivali, Mumbai. On the stage are statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Hindu Hruday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray and the late Anand Dighe. Women are being made to dance to obscene songs in front of them.”Taking a dig at the Bhojpuri songs played at the event during his speech, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik of Sena said: “We had told MLA Prakash Surve that some of our non-Marathi rickshaw-taxi drivers would be coming for the event. We had told him that we should have a Hindi and Bhojpuri programme for drivers from North India, Gujarat and South India. However, we had said that when we come on the stage, we should have a programme that celebrates Marathi.”Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Kishori Pednekar also criticized Surve. “Surve is getting exposed in many cases. There is a buzz about Bhojpuri songs…don’t they know when and where should those songs be played? This has also insulted the Bhojpuri people. You claim to be carrying forward Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, is this the way you are doing it?”In May, Sarnaik had announced the starting of ‘practical Marathi training’ classes for non-Marathi autorickshaw and taxi drivers to learn practical Marathi in collaboration with Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh and Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad. “These classes were conducted both online and offline, and a four-hour training was provided. These classes were held at 72 locations across the state as well as in the offices of various organisations and Shiv Sena shakhas. Certificates are being given to those who complete the training,” officials said.
