Many mosques in Maharashtra switch off loudspeakers; MNS workers detained

Several mosques in Maharashtra kept loudspeakers off during azaan on Wednesday morning following a threat by Raj Thackeray, chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), to play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers after May 3 wherever azaan is recited on them.

Even as about 250-260 MNS workers were detained across the state, loudspeakers remained switched off during azaan at several mosques in Maharashtra, including in and around Mumbai, Parbhani, Osmanabad, Hingoli, parts of Jalna, Nanded, Nandurbar, Shirdi and Shrirampur. At some places, they were used on low volume.

In Mumbai, several MNS workers who had gathered outside Raj Thackeray’s residence were detained, while in Pune, eight MNS workers were detained, police officials said.

Maharashtra strengthens security

Raj Thackeray had given the state government an ultimatum of May 3 before which he demanded all illegal loudspeakers be taken down. On May 3, the security of the state was strengthened and several MNS workers, including Raj Thackeray, were served notice. Leaves of police personnel have been cancelled and forces deployed in sensitive locations. Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey visited various police stations areas to review the situation in the city, news agency ANI reported.

Also read: Loudspeaker rules not violated in Maha, no one should teach us Hindutva: Shiv Sena

The MNS chief stressed that this is “not a one-day issue”. “If mosques don’t follow guidelines, then Hanuman Chalisa will be played at double volume. Students and ill people suffer because of loudspeakers.”

Addressing a rally in Aurangabad, Raj Thackeray had said he will not be responsible for what takes place in the state after his deadline May 3. However, he urged his party workers not to take to the streets on Eid. A day after, MNS workers played Hanuman Chalisa in front of many mosques in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Thane at the time of the morning azaan.

‘Protest against illegal loudspeakers’

“I have been receiving calls from several parts of the state and outside. At many places, my party’s workers have been detained and issued notices. Those who are following the law are being detained and those who don’t are going scot-free,” Raj Thackeray told the media. He said the issue is “not only about mosques and there are several temples with illegal loudspeakers”.

MNS chief has been asserting that his protest against loudspeakers is not on religious but on social grounds and that the recitations from mosques are leading to noise pollution.

Also read: Asked Kejriwal to remove loudspeakers from places of worship, yet to comply: Delhi BJP

The MNS chief said that he and his party is not against legal loudspeakers. “My point is that all illegal loudspeakers should be removed from mosques. Until they are removed, we will continue our agitations. According to Supreme Court rules, the loudspeaker should not exceed 45-55 decibels which is the sound mixer-grinder in our kitchen makes,” Raj Thackeray said.

According to the Maharashtra Home Department, 135 out of the 1,140 mosques in Mumbai used loudspeakers before 6 am today. “Appropriate action should be taken against these 135 mosques that went against the orders of the Supreme Court of India,” the Home Department said.

Case filed against Raj Thackeray

Meanwhile, Aurangabad Police registered a case against Raj Thackeray for allegedly delivering a provocative speech two days ago. Mumbai Police issued a notice to the MNS chief under Section 149 of CrPC, invoked to prevent a cognizable offence.

On Wednesday, Raj Thackeray posted an old video of Balasaheb Thackeray where the Shiv Sena founder can be heard saying, “If someone has any complaint about the Hindu religion, then they can come to us, and we will solve the issue. Loudspeakers will be removed from the mosques.”

The face-off between Raj Thackeray and the state government helmed by his cousin Uddhav Thackeray comes ahead of the civic elections in Maharashtra. The ruling Shiv Sena has accused the MNS of being the “B Team” of the BJP, attempting to cut into the Sena votes with its aggressive stance on Hindutva.

Also read: Raj Thackerays Aurangabad speech under scrutiny: Maha govt