Thackery sends an ultimatum on the ongoing loudspeaker row.
Navnirman Sena chief, Raj Thackery, suggests tit for tat politics. He stands clear on his demand to remove loudspeakers from Mosques. Muslim prayers are heard over loudspeakers in any given area. He had demanded that the loudspeakers be removed from the mosques. And that he is not against the Muslims offering prayers. Concerning this demand, he does not want any riots in the state of Maharashtra. In an open statement, Thackery has mentioned that he is not against Muslims offering prayers. In any case, is against the utilization of amplifiers in the Mosques. A date until May 3 is given to remove all the loudspeakers. Actions will be taken further if they are not removed. May 3 can be treated as the date of warning. If all the practice continues then the Hindus will also have loudspeakers. Loudspeakers to be used to offer prayers to the Hindu gods. He says that Muslims should understand the religion one follows is not bigger than the law of the land. And that the Muslims should implement this and not start any riot.
What is the loudspeaker row?
The row started in the Muslim-dominated area of Mumbra in Maharashtra after the Friday prayers. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackery, at a public rally in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, addressed the people. In that, he had threatened the Muslim community, if they continue to offer their prayers over loudspeakers, then in that case he would play Hanuman Chalisa over the same loudspeakers. The speakers outside the Mosques would play Hanuman Chalisa at a much higher volume if any action was not taken by the state in this regard. The reaction of the Public Front of India (PFI) President, Mateen Shekhani was recorded. He backfired the threat. He said that if the loudspeakers outside the Mosque were touched then the consequences will be seen. A protest to oppose the same was conducted in the area. At the protest, Shekhani said that if such an act was done by playing Hanuman Chalisa, then the PFI would be seen at the forefront.
Ultimatum sent, leaders to gather:
“Loudspeakers relaying the ‘azan’ call is more of a social issue than a religious one. The loudspeakers disturb the peace in society. If Muslims offer prayer on loudspeakers, Hindus would do the same. It is tit for tat business.”, said the shivsena leader. Raj Thackery sends an ultimatum that 3 May, 2022 would be the day of decision and results. He is to speak at a public meeting in Sambhaji Nagar, Aurangabad on May 1. Followed by his visit to Ayodhya on June 5. He requests all other leaders to come and a gathering is to be made. He is to visit Ayodhya for prayers with other MNS volunteers.
Government response:
The Maharashtra government is led by the Shiv Sena. One of the party MP (Member of Parliament), Sanjay Raut condemned the action by the MNS leader, Raj Thackery. He compared Thackery to Asaduddin Owaisi. The role played by Owaisi in the state of Uttar Pradesh is performed by Thackery in Maharashtra. In the name of Ram and Hanuman, peace is jeopardized and riots are provoked. The police and the people of the state are to be appreciated for the peace they are showing. Attempting a war in the name of Lord Ram is an insult to the very ideology followed by the lord.In his weekly column, ‘Rokthok’. Raut has pointed out that such acts of stoking the fire of fundamentalism and disturbing the peace among the people just to win elections are nothing but an act of Second Partition; The Partition between India and Indian Muslims.
Allegations:
Raut alleged that the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) is behind all of the happenings. One of the intelligence reports claims that there is a plan in action. The plan of creating a communal riot which will result in the President’s rule in the state of Maharashtra.
Pulishe by : Gargi Sharma
Edited by : Aaradhana singh
