It’s Not Only For Azaan: K’taka CM On Demand For Loudspeaker Ban In Mosques
Last year, the high court had curbed the use of loudspeakers in religious places.
Mumbai: Commenting on the demand by some organisations to ban loudspeakers in mosques, Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said, “It is not only for azaan, but it is also for all loudspeakers.”
His statement comes after Karnataka minister KS Eshwarappa said “a solution should be found to address the concerns over the use of loudspeakers in mosques in the state.”
The chief minister on Tuesday told reporters: “This is a high court order. It’s not forced. Everything has to be done by talking and explaining to people.”
He further clarified: “It is not only for azaan, it is for all loudspeakers. So, we will take a call.” Last year, the high court had curbed the use of loudspeakers in religious places.
Eshwarappa was reacting to MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s comments on the use of loudspeakers in mosques on Monday, which sparked a controversy when he said: “The attempts by Raj Thackeray or Sri Rama Sene against the use of loudspeakers at mosques have to be naturally done by taking the Muslim community into confidence. There have been complaints about a long time that it disturbs students and patients during morning and evening hours.”
Raj Thackeray said last week that he was not against any religion, but his party workers “will play Hanuman Chalisa in front of mosques if the state government does not remove loudspeakers outside mosques”. His comments fuelled a debate over Azaan, the call for prayer at mosques.
But other leaders of Maharashtra did not support his comments. Sanjay Raut of the ruling Shiv Sena was quoted by news agency ANI as saying, “People thought this (MNS programme) is a BJP programme. The law of the country prevails in Maharashtra. The home minister will do everything according to the law.”
Karnataka is already dealing with a controversy over hijabs after headscarves – worn by girls and women of the Muslim community – were banned in classrooms. This had sparked a nationwide debate.
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