Mosque Loudspeaker controversy, Aaditya befitting reply to MNS

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s ruling party Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have stood face to face over the mosque loudspeaker controversy. While on the one hand MNS chief Raj Thackeray is suddenly giving air fire to the old controversial issue once again, while the Congress alliance was also seen taking a jibe at the Shiv Sena Party. All this seems to spoil the communal atmosphere in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray recited Hanuman Chalisa over loudspeakers outside Shiv Sena headquarters in Mumbai by “MNS” workers, saying, “They are trying to revive their dead party. Our Hindutva is known to all. We have We will fulfill what we have promised (during elections).”

An official of Shivaji Park police station said that on the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday morning, MNS workers started reciting Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeaker outside Shiv Sena Bhavan.

• Ad-hoc workers gone permanent in Delhi, when they can be permanent in Delhi, why not in other states?

Police reached the spot and detained MNS functionary Yashwant Killedar and three other workers. Thereafter, several MNS workers gathered at a temple near the police station premises and started singing Hanuman Chalisa and other religious songs.

The police officer said that the investigation of the matter is going on. Last Sunday also, MNS worker recited Hanuman Chalisa over loudspeaker in Himalaya Society of Asalfa, Chandivali. He was taken into custody, though later released.

It is worth noting that on April 2, MNS chief Raj Thackeray had said at a rally in Shivaji Park that why loudspeakers in mosques make azaan in such a loud voice. If this is not stopped, then Hanuman Chalisa will be recited in louder voice on loudspeakers outside mosques. He had also targeted NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Maharashtra Chief Minister and his cousin Uddhav Thackeray.

A day after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray warned against loud azaan on loudspeakers in mosque, an MNS worker recited Hanuman Chalisa over loudspeaker.

An officer of Ghatkopar police station said that Mahendra Bhanushali started reciting Hanuman Chalisa at the Himalayan Society of Asalfa in Chandivali by placing a loudspeaker on a tree. A police team reached the spot and took Bhanushali into custody. The loudspeaker was also confiscated.

However, the accused was released after two hours. Bhanushali has been fined Rs 5,500. He has been issued a notice and warned that strict action will be taken if he does this again. Condemning the police action, Bhanushali said that she was being harassed.