Raj Thackeray reiterates his call for the removal of loudspeakers from mosques on Maharashtra Day

In the midst of a political squabble over mosque loudspeakers, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray said that if loudspeakers are not removed by May 4, the Hanuman Chalisa will be played at twice the level of Azan. The MNS head, speaking to a large crowd at Sanskrutik Mandal Maidan in Aurangabad, stated, "Maharashtra's first day is today (Maharashtra Day). I'm not going to listen after the fourth day.

 

Wherever there is a loudspeaker, we shall also chant Hanuman Chalisa in double volume in front of it." Thackeray went on to say that loudspeakers are not a religious issue, but rather a national one and that if they don't stop, we will too. "This isn't a matter of faith. It's a national matter, but if you don't intervene, we'll intervene as well. It is illegal to use all loudspeaker speakers since they are not covered by the legislation.

 

It was already declared illegal by the Supreme Court; it was not a concern of Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), but rather a national issue. When we go to sabha, they claim it's an education zone or a temple zone, therefore we can't go, yet they have an objection. Who granted you these privileges?" enquired the MNS commander.

 

To support his claim that the loudspeaker issue is a national one rather than a religious one, he stated, "One journalist inquired as to why I am taking a stand against loudspeakers today. I stated that we recite the Hanuman Chalisa and that Muslims should pay attention. I was told by a Nashik journalist that he is a Muslim who has a problem with loudspeakers. His children are unable to sleep." He also asked the state police to put an end to the use of loudspeakers, saying that if they don't, "we won't keep quiet." He further stated that he intends to hold more rallies in Marathwada, Vidarbha, and other places.

 

He stated, "I would hold rallies in all cities of Vidarbha, Kokan, west Maharashtra, and east Maharashtra." The MNS Chairman also blasted Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), for fostering poisonous caste politics. "Sharad Pawar claims that we are anti-national. Pawar, you used caste politics to divide this state. Pawar has recently begun to speak about Shivaji Maharaj. Has Pawar ever used the Shivaji moniker?

 

 

When I told them Pawar is an atheist, they became agitated and began taking pictures with gods. My father, according to your daughter, is an atheist. Pawar, you just read what is convenient for you. You should study my grandfather's novels (Balasaheb Thackeray) if you believe in Hinduism.

 

My grandfather was a dharma follower. I've gathered a few Sharad Pawar references for you. On April 12, the MNS chief issued an ultimatum to the Maharashtra government, demanding that loudspeakers be removed from mosques by May 3, failing which, he claimed, MNS activists will play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers.

 

 

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