In a bid to justify his 'headache' remark on Azaan, BJP Karnataka MLA KS Eshwarappa on Monday said that the students in Karnataka have examinations now and parents are complaining that due to Azaan and loudspeakers students are unable to study properly.
Earlier while addressing a gathering in Mangaluru, Eshwarappa said, "Wherever I go this (Azaan) is a headache for me. No doubt this will end soon as there is an SC judgment."
As reported earlier, in his remarks, Eshwarappa referred to the 2005 ruling of the Supreme Court banning the use of loudspeakers and music systems between 10 pm to 6 am (except in cases of public emergencies) in public places. On October 28, 2005, the apex court allowed loudspeakers to be used till midnight on festive occasions for 15 days a year.
"PM Modi asked to respect all religions, but I must ask can Allah hear only if you scream on a microphone?" he questioned.
"Hindus also pray in temples. We have more faith than them & it's Bharat mata who protects religions. But if you say that Allah listens only if you pray using a microphone, I must question if He's deaf. This issue must be resolved," he added.
However, a day after his remarks on Azaan and loudspeakers, he tried to justify on Monday by saying, "Exams are going on in Karnataka right now, students and parents are complaining that due to Azaan and loudspeaker, students are unable to study properly. This is not a good thing."
The former deputy chief minister has previously stoked controversy for calling 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan a "Muslim gunda".