'This Is A Headache': BJP MLA Makes Controversial Remark On Azaan In Mangaluru Speech

Karnataka BJP MLA KS Eshwarappa made controversial comments over having Azaan on loudspeakers, saying it was a "headache" for him.

Karnataka BJP MLA and former deputy chief minister KS Eshwarappa on Sunday made remarks pertaining to Azaan on loudspeakers. While addressing a gathering in Mangaluru, he asked if "Allah listens only if you pray using a microphone".

"Wherever I go this (Azaan) is a headache for me. No doubt this will end soon as there is an SC judgment. PM Modi asked to respect all religions, but I must ask can Allah hear only if you scream on a microphone?" KS Eshwarappa said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

He further remarked, "Hindus also pray in temples. We have more faith than them and 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."

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. 

The former deputy chief minister has previously stoked controversy for calling 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan a "Muslim gunda".

The contentious comments come as Karnataka is set to witness elections later this year and the ruling BJP is beginning its election pitch with recent regular visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Previously, Karnataka saw religious tensions erupt over the issue of wearing hijab in educational institutes. The controversy had a deep impact as students were seen visibly divided over the debate on campuses.

On the Hijab row, the Karnataka High Court ruled that the hijab is not an essential part of Islam and rejected the applications in this regard while upholding the state government order on uniforms.

Earlier this month, Karnataka Education Minister B.C. Nagesh asserted that students wearing hijabs will not be allowed inside the examination centres.

According to the news agency IANS, he stressed that it has been clarified to all students that they should attend exams wearing uniforms and Hijab is not part of it.

"After hijab ban, more Muslim sisters appeared for examinations and the enrolment of Muslim girl students has increased," he added.

The Hijab matter is now awaiting a hearing in the Supreme Court.