Mosques violating SC order, but MNS cadres targeted by police: Raj Thackeray

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, May 04, 2022: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday said that his party was being singled out in the loudspeaker controversy. He said the state government was targeting his cadres.

 

“I am getting calls from several places in the state. Many of my cadres have been detained. Why does it happen to us? Those who are following rules are facing action,” he said.

“There are many places where Azaan wasn’t played over loudspeakers. Our people were ready. I want to thank all those who understand the cause,” he said.

The Maharashtra Home department sources have said that in Mumbai, there are 1,140 mosques and 135 of these used loudspeakers for Azaan today. Action will be taken against the authorities of these mosques by police if SC rules are found to have been flouted.

So far, around 18,000 MNS leaders and party workers have been served notices under Section 149 across the state.

Raj Thackeray, too, said 135 mosques in Mumbai violated the Supreme Court’s order on Wednesday and sought to know what action would be taken against the errant mosque authorities. He said that the police were “legalising an illegal activity by granting permission for loudspeakers”. “Playing Azaan over the loudspeaker five times a day is a violation of the Supreme Court order,” he said.

Raj Thackeray said that if Azaan is played on loudspeaker, Hanuman Chalisa will be blared over amplifiers at double the volume. “Yogi Adityanath stopped loudspeakers in Maharashtra. Why can’t you?” he asked the state govt. “Loudspeakers are not religious. The issue is a social one,” he added. "I am not against Azaan; I am against the use of loudspeakers," Raj Thackeray said.

He said the MNS’s peaceful protest against loudspeakers at mosques and temples would continue.

Courtesy: India Today