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Update: April 17, 2022 3:07 p.m. STI
Bombay (Maharashtra) [India]Apr 17 (ANI): Following the ongoing loudspeaker row in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray said on Sunday that Muslims in the country should understand that “religion is not not above the law and the country” while asking them to remove the loudspeakers from the mosques.
“We don’t want riots in Maharashtra. No one has objected to the offering of prayers. We want the loudspeakers which are installed in mosques and which are illegal across the country to be removed. If you do it on loudspeaker, then we will use loudspeakers for that as well. Muslims need to understand that religion is not greater than law. After May 3, I will see what to do,” Thackeray said. .
The head of the MNS asked Hindus “to wait until May 3” and then play Hanuman Chalisa in front of mosques that “do not mute the loudspeakers”.
Notably, Thackeray previously warned the government of Maha Vikas Aghadi to remove loudspeakers from mosques by May 3 or party workers would place loudspeakers outside mosques and play Hanuman Chalisa.
“I just tell Hindus all over India to wait until May 3rd. And after that play Hanuman Chalisa in front of all those mosques that don’t mute the speakers,” he said .
State Home Secretary Dilip Walse Patil had said: “Clear instructions have been given that loudspeakers are allowed within the allowed decibel limit and if anyone breaches this limit, prosecution legal action will be taken.”
Reacting to the statement, Thackeray said he needed to get permission before leading his rally, however, this is not the same case with loudspeakers used in mosques.
“If I have to organize a rally and give a speech, I need permission from the police. Who gives them permission to pray on loudspeakers daily? only about the loudspeaker, I think he doesn’t need it,” he said.
Speaking about the Delhi Jahangirpuri violence and stone throwing that erupted following a clash between two groups during Shobha Yatra, the MNS leader said: “Such things should be given a similar response, otherwise these people will not won’t understand.”
Thackeray said he would hold his next public meeting on May 1 in Aurangabad and visit Ayodhya on June 5.
“I will hold a public meeting on May 1 in Aurangabad. I will go to Ayodhya on June 5. If thanks to the Supreme Court and the central government, the construction of Ram Mandir is possible. It would be good if I go there, “ he said. (ANI)
