On Tuesday, a warning was issued by MNS Chief Raj Thackeray to the State Government in which he asked to make sure that the loudspeakers that are installed at the mosques are removed by May 3. He also claimed that his party will not stir till the matter is resolved. If the loudspeakers are not removed from mosques by May 3, then Thackeray has threatened to launch a statewide agitation.
He said “I request the state government to talk to religious leaders and ensure loudspeakers are removed from mosques by May 3. We are not against prayers, but what’s the need to cause inconvenience to others, especially students, the elderly and the ailing? If the state fails to act, we will intensify our drive and play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers,” quoted The Times Of India.
This stance was repeated by Thackeray at a gathering while he was addressing in Mumbai to his party workers on April 2 on the occasion of Gudi Padwa.
He defended his stand and said “What wrong did I say? The whole country is suffering due to these loudspeakers. How is this communalism? Why are you making us listen to your prayers? This is not a communal topic but a social topic. Five times a day, azan is being played on loudspeakers…Why should we listen to it? If it’s your religion, keep it at home,” quoted The Indian Express.
