Loudspeaker Row: Hindus Have Suffered More Because Of Raj Thackeray: Congress' Sachin Sawant

Amid the ongoing controversy over the loudspeaker in mosques during azaan, the Maharashtra Congress, who is also a part of three-party alliance of MVA government, on Thursday, May 5, claimed that Hindus have suffered more due to MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s objection.

Taking it to Twitter, Congress’ state general secretary and spokesman Sachin Sawant stated this stunt by the MNS chief Raj Thackeray as “politically selfish stand of the MNS, their insanity and BJP’s support are harmful to progressive Maharashtra”.

Clarifying further on his stand, he shared: “The morning azaan has been stopped by Muslims. But, Kakad aarti (performed at dawn in temples) has also stopped. Churches, gurdwaras and Buddhist temples won’t be able to use loudspeakers. Loudspeakers will not be allowed in public celebrations as well.”

There is complete lack of understanding of MNS.
Mumbai Police permits usage of loudspeakers under Section 38 (1) of the Mumbai Police Act. There is no rule on how often and when to use LS Hon' SC has banned using loudspeakers from 10 pm to 6 am. and restricted decibel limits pic.twitter.com/NJCUegthC4

— Sachin Sawant सचिन सावंत (@sachin_inc) May 5, 2022

There are 2,404 temples and 1,144 mosques in Mumbai. Till Wednesday, May 4, only 20 of these temples and 922 mosques had permissions, while the applications of five temples and 15 mosques are pending, Sawant explained.

In a meeting held by police, representatives of all religions have opposed the stand of the MNS. In Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi, the ‘Kakad aarti’ has been stopped. “Whose sin is this?” the Congress leader added.

“If we listen to the MNS, along with masjids, 2,400 temples will also not be able to use loudspeakers. Hindus have suffered more because of the MNS stand on loudspeakers,” Sawant claimed.

He also said the MNS has a “complete lack of understanding” of the issue.

The reason why BJP-ruled states have not banned loudspeakers is quite clear, said Sawant, whose party shares power with the Shiv Sena and NCP in Maharashtra.

This issue became a huge point of discussion after MNS chief Raj Thackeray had earlier given an ultimatum to the Maharashtra government to remove loudspeakers from mosques by May 3.