New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray Tuesday once again warned the state government to shut loudspeakers in mosques till May 3.
While making the statement, the MNS chief said that the issue is social and he will not back out from his stand. He challenged the Shiv Sena Government of Uddhav Thackeray to "do whatever you want to do", reported news agency ANI.
"Loudspeakers in mosques should be shut till May 3rd otherwise, we will play Hanuman Chalisa in speakers. This is a social issue, not a religious one. I want to tell the state government, we will not go back on this subject, do whatever you want to do," the MNS chief said.
Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar had recently spoken about taking up the issue of loudspeakers in Mosques with the Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil after a court order in this regard.
Raj Thackeray slammed Ajit Pawar on this and said that he is an atheist, who "does not believe in any religion", reported ANI.
The issue kicked up a storm after Raj Thackeray asked the state government to remove loudspeakers from mosques and warned of playing Hanuman Chalisa in front of them if the demand was not heeded.
"I am not against prayers, you can pray at your home, but the government should take a decision on removing mosque loudspeakers. I am warning now... Remove loudspeakers or else will put loudspeakers in front of the mosque and play Hanuman Chalisa."
Thackeray also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raid Madarasas in Muslim areas of Mumbai, alleging that they are Pakistani supporters.
"I appeal to PM Modi to raid the Madarasas at the Muslim shanties. Pakistani supporters are residing in these shanties. Mumbai Police knows what's happening there...Our MLAs using them for vote-bank, such people don't even have Aadhar Card, but the MLAs get them made," he said, as reported by ANI.