'Maharashtra Doesn't Run On Ultimatums': Sanjay Raut on Raj Thackeray's Loudspeaker Deadline

Loudspeaker Row: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut claimed that plans were afoot to bring anti-social elements in the state to disrupt the law and order. 

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut and MNS chief Raj Thackeray

Source : PTI, Getty Images

New Delhi: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday lashed out at MNS chief Raj Thackeray over his call for removal of loudspeakers from mosques, saying the Maharashtra government does not run on ultimatums. During an interaction with the media in Mumbai, Raut said the rule of law prevails in the state.

Sanjay Raut said suitable action would follow if someone gave inflammatory speeches, PTI reported. Raut claimed that plans were afoot to bring anti-social elements in the state to disrupt the law and order. 

"The government does not run on an ultimatum. There is rule of law in the state. There is a buzz that anti-social elements will be brought to the state for instigating riots," Raut said.

The Shiv Sena leader, however, said the state home department and Chief Minsiter Uddhav Thackeray were keeping an eye on the situation.

READ | Case Registered Against Raj Thackeray In Aurangabad Over 'Inflammatory Speech'

When asked to name the people behind allegedly bringing anti-social elements, Raut said, "Those who don't have the strength, such people. This is 'supari' (contract) politics. The state police are capable of handling the situation."

"Anyone who thinks they can make the government unstable, then they are making a big mistake and they will be exposed. Ultimatum politics will not work in the state," Raut said in a terse message directed at Raj Thackeray.

At a rally in Aurangabad on May 1, Thackeray had asked people to play Hanuman Chalisa outside mosques from May 4 if loudspeakers there were not removed. The MNS chief had said during his speech that the the Muslim community would see the "power of Maharashtra" if they did not understand the request on loudspeakers "nicely".

On Tuesday, a case was registered against the MNS chief for allegedly delivering inflammatory speeches at the Aurangabad rally. The organisers of Thackeray's rally were also booked.