Amid the brewing hatred for Muslims in India, MNS chief Raj Thackeray has issued an ultimatum asking Mosque to remove their loudspeakers before Eid ul Fitr.
Speaking in Marathi, Raj lashed out against the use of loudspeakers by mosques all through the year. “It is Ramzan at present. We understand. We also have Ganpati and Navratri festivals. But why are you making us listen to this [prayers] 365 days a year?” Thackeray asked.
Claiming that there was no use for loudspeakers, he demanded that the Maharashtra state government ensure their removal from mosques to prevent “tedh, dangal” (Translation: division, riots).
“May 3 is Eid. I appeal to the state government and the Home Ministry, that we don’t want to create any division, riots, etc. We don’t want to spoil the health of Maharashtra,” said Thackeray, the chilling threat evident in his words. He continued, “But today is April 12 and from now until May 3, I urge you to call all Maulvis and tell them to take down all loudspeakers from mosques. (If you do so) after May 3, you will not face any trouble from us.” The gathering cheered him on.
His demand is at odds with his own argument that loudspeakers should be used on important occasions. Nonetheless, he continues saying that namaz, azan, and similar prayers read inside the houses because “religion should be inside homes”.
Further, he went on to warn the Muslim community that if they do not understand “words” then “Hindus” will take “action” and play Hanuman Chalisa outside mosques in Maharashtra. Later he went on to extend this call to all of India.
“We are not ruining the environment. This is a social issue not a religious one. Students, elderly and women alike complain about this. There can be no religion that bothers the other,” he argued.