India, Nov. 13 -- Rather than face the music from opposition political parties, the Central Railway has pulled the Bhojpuri soundtracks being played at various suburban railway stations and rail terminuses on the eve of the Chhath Puja festival.

The decision was taken only hours after the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirma Sena (MNS) publicly voiced their opposition to the "imposition of North Indian culture on Maharashtra". Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also alleged it was an attempt by the BJP-led NDA government to woo North Indian voters ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections in March next year.

Central Railway officials said the Railway Board had issued instructions to play Bhojpuri music at terminuses and stations " to create a fes...