Navi Mumbai: Banners and posters promoting ‘Matru-Pitru Diwas’ by rape convict Asaram Bapu recently surfaced at several locations in Navi Mumbai, including Vashi railway station. Despite multiple complaints from citizens and social media users, the banners continued to appear on Tuesday, raising questions about the effectiveness of the civic administration's response.

On Monday, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) claimed that the banners near Vashi station had been removed following public outcry. However, by the evening, the posters were once again spotted at the same locations. The situation escalated as civic officials seemingly passed the responsibility between departments to avoid involvement in the controversy.

Civic Officials Avoid Responsibility

When the Free Press Journal contacted the Vashi ward office on Tuesday, officials refused to comment and redirected queries to the encroachment department. Baburao Kharde, an officer from the department, assured that the banners would be removed immediately.

However, when questioned about why the ward office had previously claimed they had already been taken down, he failed to provide a clear answer and merely repeated assurances. He also did not specify a timeline for the removal of the banners.

Journalist Calls Out NMMC For False Claims

FPJ journalist Sumit Sharma, who initially spotted the banners, once again raised the issue on social media after NMMC’s claim of removal proved false. Sharma shared a video clearly showing the banners still displayed at a bus stop outside Vashi railway station.

Expressing his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), Sharma tagged NMMC officials and wrote, "Despite highlighting the matter... no action taken by @NMMConline. Rape convict Asaram's 'Matru Pitru Diwas' poster is still there outside Vashi Station. When @fpjindia reached out to an NMMC official, he said it was 'removed'."

Public Outrage Over Asaram Bapu’s Promotion

The posters, prominently displayed near Vashi railway station and major bus stops, advertised ‘Parents' Worship Day’ on February 14, an initiative led by Asaram’s ashram. Many citizens expressed outrage over the presence of these advertisements, given Asaram Bapu’s criminal background.

Organised by the Saint Shri Asaram Bapu Ashram in Ahmedabad, the campaign encourages celebrating February 14 as ‘Matru-Pitru Pujan Diwas’ instead of Valentine’s Day. The initiative has been controversial in the past, with critics arguing that it attempts to promote a convicted rapist’s ideology under the guise of cultural values.