Muslims should understand religion is not bigger than law, says Raj Thackeray on Loudpseaker Row

 In the wake of the ongoing loudspeaker row in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray courts controversy on Sunday again when he commented that the Muslims in India should understand that “religion is not above law and country” while also asking them to take down loudspeakers from mosques.

“We don’t want riots in Maharashtra. No one has opposed the offering of prayers. We want the loudspeakers that are put up in the mosques and are illegal in the entire country should be taken down. If you do it on loudspeaker, we will also use loudspeakers. Muslims should understand that religion isn’t bigger than the law. After May 3, I will see what to do,” the MNS chief said.

Raj Thackeray also asked the Hindus to “wait till May 3” and play Hanuman Chalisa thereafter in front of the mosques that haven’t taken down the loudspeakers.” Notably, Thackeray had earlier warned the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition govt to remove the loudspeakers from the mosques by May 3, or else the party workers would put up speakers outside mosques and play the Hanuman Chalisa.

 State Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil said, “Clear instructions have been given that loudspeakers are allowed within the permitted decibel limit, and if anyone violates that, then legal action will be taken.”

While reacting to the statement, he stated that he needed to take permission before conducting his rally. However, this is not the same with loudspeakers being used in mosques. “If I have to conduct a rally and deliver a speech, I do need permission from the police. Who gives them permission to pray on loudspeakers daily? The Muslim community should understand that it is not a religious issue but a social issue. It is only about the loudspeaker, I feel there is no need for it,” Raj Thackeray said.

While commenting on the Delhi Jahangirpuri violence and stone-pelting that erupted following a clash between two groups during Shobha Yatra, the MNS chief noted, “Such things should be answered in a similar manner; otherwise, those people will not understand.” The MNS leader said that he would be holding his next public meeting on May 1 in Aurangabad and visiting Ayodhya on June 5.