Mumbai: Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil has called an all-party meeting on loudspeaker controversy today. There will be a meeting in Mumbai at 11.30 am, in which all party leaders can attend. But MNS chief Raj Thackeray will not go to this meeting, a representative will be sent on his behalf. On the other hand, Shiv Sena has demanded the Center to make a policy on loudspeakers.
News agency ANI quoted MNS leader Sandeep Deshpande as saying that the 53-year-old leader would not attend the all-party meeting called by the state government to resolve the issue. He said Deshpande and his party colleagues Bala Nandgaonkar and Nitin Sardesai would be present in the meeting.
Last week, the state government began to consider framing rules amid controversy as state Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil warned of action against miscreants trying to create tension. The home department is expected to make permission for loudspeakers at religious places mandatory.
As per previous judicial orders, permission to use loudspeakers at religious places is mandatory and the management of these places is expected to adhere to the permissible decibel levels.
Raj Thackeray had said last week that his party does not want to disturb the peace. “But if you do azaan on loudspeaker, we will also use loudspeaker for it. Muslims should understand that religion is not bigger than law,” he said.
Amravati MP Navneet Kaur and her husband Ravi Rana have been arrested for trying to incite the public, as they warned that they would sing Hanuman Chalisa at the Chief Minister’s residence, outside Matoshree.
BJP’s Kirit Somaiya, who had supported the couple, was attacked by “100 Shiv Sena goons” almost immediately after their arrest. He has taken up the matter with the Centre.
first published:April 25, 2022, 10:14 a.m.
