New Delhi: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has appealed to his party workers not to perform the 'Maha Aarti' on May 3, so that no social tension is created during the festival of Eid.
“To Maharashtra Sainiks (MNS workers), tomorrow it’s Eid. In yesterday’s Aurangabad rally, I have already spoken about that. Please don’t do Maha Arti on the festive occasion of Akshaya Tritiya as decided earlier. We don’t have to bring any obstacles to anyone’s festivities. The issue of loudspeaker is not a religious matter, but it’s a social issue. What we have to do about it will be decided in future. I will put forth my views about this through a tweet tomorrow. Only this much for now,” the MNS chief tweeted in Marathi.
While addressing a huge rally in Aurangabad a day ago, MNS chief Thackeray had said that he does not want to incite riots in Maharashtra. However, he reiterated his ultimatum to the Uddhav Thackeray-led government to remove loudspeakers from mosques by May 4, failing which Hanuman Chalisa would be played at double the sound in front of mosques.
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“I won’t be responsible for what happens after the May 3 deadline to remove the loudspeakers from the mosques,” he said, adding, “loudspeakers is a social issue, but if it is being made a religious one, then we shall give a reply in the same manner. Eid will be celebrated on May 3. We don’t want to vitiate the atmosphere. But from May 4, if loudspeakers are not brought down (from mosques), then all Hindus should play Hanuman Chalisa at double the volume in front of those mosques.”
He further said loudspeakers had no place in religion and should, therefore, be removed. “If they (Muslims) don’t understand nicely, we will show them the power of Maharashtra. All loudspeakers (atop mosques) are illegal. Is it a concert that so many loudspeakers are being used?” he asked.