New Delhi: Amid a controversial statement by MNS chief Raj Thackeray on countering azaan from mosque loudspeakers with Hanuman Chalisa, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday commented on the row and said that the Maharashtra government already fixed the rule stipulating the decibel level of azaan played through loudspeakers.
Raut said, "Maharashtra Home Minister has also issued a notice stating how much Decibel level should be there while observing Azaan."
Earlier on Wednesday, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar attacked MNS president Raj Thackeray over the latter's demand for the removal of loudspeakers from mosques, saying the state cannot afford the alleged divisive call given "to please someone eyeing polls".
Pawar asked what the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief was going to achieve by making such statements and whether "provoking" people will solve the issue of their livelihood.
"The Maharashtra of Shahu, Phule, Ambedkar cannot afford the speeches made to please someone keeping eye on elections," Pawar said at an event in Shirdi in Ahmednagar district on Wednesday, reported PTI.
He said that Maharashtra has ensured communal harmony for years, but "leaders of some parties" have of late been talking about installing loudspeakers "here and there".
"Some people are trying to create confusion in the society. We have been living in harmony for years now. We have been able to keep communal harmony intact in society by not allowing any rift in communities and religions. But leaders of some parties are making a pitch for installing counter- loudspeakers (to play Hanuman chalisa)," the senior NCP leader said.
MNS president Raj Thackeray had raised a furore last Saturday after he made a strong pitch for removing high-decibel loudspeakers from mosques.
Addressing a rally at Shivaji Park, Thackeray had also said if such a step was not taken, loudspeakers would be installed outside mosques to play 'Hanuman Chalisa' at a higher volume.