MNS party state secretary resigns from the party after being dissatisfied with Raj Thackeray's statement on loudspeakers

At a gathering in Thane on April 12, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena head Raj Thackeray stated that he would hold firm on the issue of removing loudspeakers from mosques, a stance that did not sit well with party supporters. Another MNS office-bearer resigned as a result of the statement. On Thursday, April 14, Irfan Sheikh, the party's state secretary in Kalyan, resigned as state secretary and member of the MNS.

 

Sheikh had previously uploaded an emotional statement on social media after the MNS' Gudi Padwa rally to express his thoughts, recalling the 16-year flashback. Meanwhile, Raj raised the subject of loudspeakers in mosques again during the Thane protest, setting a May 3 deadline for their removal.

 

"I have been working with you from the founding of the party," Irfan Sheikh stated in his letter. I got involved in a lot of the party's agitations and took on a lot of cases. You warned me at the time not to forget these wounds, that I would see the rest. Where and to whom should activists like me who don't have a lot of money voice their feelings right now? With a heavy heart, I hand over my resignation to you. Sir, my family and society are powerless now. The same family members that encouraged me to work with you are now pressuring me to abandon your gathering.

 

You were dubious of Azaan, mosques, and madrassas after 16 years. You would have informed us about it when we were with you, and we would have told you how important it was. You may not be entirely correct, but we are confident that something horrible will occur. You should, nonetheless, accept my resignation. I'll never forget what happened in the past or our friendship."

 

According to Sheikh, "Raj Thackeray was a great supporter of mine when I first started at MNS. He had a clear vision, which drew me in to join his party, but it's getting increasingly difficult to tell which direction he's heading. Instead of addressing pressing concerns such as inflation and youth employment, he prefers to focus on something else, such as the removal of loudspeakers from mosques. I hoped he would bring some change to Maharashtra when I joined the party, but he has since changed his mind."

 

 

Image Courtesy: Twitter @RajThackerayFC