Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said "it is in bad taste.

Chhath is a religious festival observed as a matter of faith by millions of people and any insult to the festival is condemnable."

Thackeray, while addressing a function in Mumbai, a few days ago, described the 'Chhath festival' observed in Mumbai by Biharis as ‘drama’ and demanded that those from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh speak Marathi and respect Marathi culture.

Railways Minister Lalu Prasad said such statements were intended to divide the country and ‘seditious’.

"Raj Thackeray's statement is intended to divide the country and promote regional sentiments. He has hurt the religious sensibilities of not only the Biharis but people across the world who celebrate Chhath with deep devotion," he said.

Prasad urged Thackeray to exercise restraint and respect the religious sentiments of people.

LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan condemning Thackeray's remarks, said Biharis settled in Mumbai had recently started celebrating Chhat in a big way, especially at Juhu beach.

BJP leaders, including Arun Kumar Sinha and Sanjiv Chaurasiya, alleged Raj's statement would adversely affect unity and integrity of the country.