Don’t Give Raj Thackeray So Much Importance: Ajit Pawar Amid Azaan Row

Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said he will soon reply to MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s warning about the removal of loudspeakers from mosques. His statement comes after the MNS chief threatened the state government to shut loudspeakers in mosques by May 3.

“Raj Thackeray must not be given so much importance. When the right time comes, I will surely answer it. I have answers for every question,” Ajit Pawar said.

Congress’ Sanjay Nirupam warned the state government that it would be a matter of great shame if loudspeakers were removed from even a single mosque in Mumbai.

Raj Thackeray on Tuesday reiterated his call to stop loudspeakers in mosques and gave an ultimatum to the government.

“Loudspeakers in mosques should be shut till May 3rd otherwise, we will play Hanuman Chalisa in speakers. This is a social issue, not a religious one. I want to tell the state government, we will not go back on this subject, do whatever you want to do,” the MNS chief said.

Raj Thackeray said that if the Shiv Sena-led state government does not remove loudspeakers from mosques before May 3, MNS workers will play Hanuman Chalisa in front of mosques, adding that PM Modi should implement the Uniform Civil Code in the country.

Shiv Sena, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party – the three parties of the Maharashtra government have strongly opposed Raj Thackeray’s demand, which has triggered azaan controversy in Karnataka as well. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut had earlier said that the state government has rules to determine the decibel level of loudspeakers outside mosques.

“We will strictly ask the government and the Mumbai police to not remove loudspeakers from the mosque. If the government wants to issue decibel control guidelines, it can. Make sure it is followed in all mosques,” Sanjay Nirupam said.

Follow us on Twitter, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and interesting stories.