Attempt to create disturbance between communities: Sharad Pawar on azaan row

Sharad Pawar said there is an attempt to create disturbance in the country for political gains.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said that there is an attempt to create disturbance in the country for political gains. Pawar was referring to calls for the removal of loudspeakers from mosques and the ultimatum given by Raj Thackeray.

Referring to the loudspeaker controversy raked up by the MNS chief, Pawar said, "There were some people who are holding rallies and giving inflammatory speeches. They are attempting to create disturbance between two communities for political gains. I want to say with an open heart that the people of Maharashtra will continue to work for brotherhood in the state."

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"There is an attempt to disturb the environment in the country. Whatever happened [in Delhi] was not good. People were attacked and their shops were demolished,” he added.

Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil and other NCP ministers also attended the party. Patil said that there is likelihood of MNS chief Raj Thackeray getting permission to organise a rally in Aurangabad. The rally is likely to be held on May 1, two days before the ultimatum given by Raj Thackeray to remove all loudspeakers from mosques.

"As per my information, Aurangabad police commissioner will give permission. People are allowed to take rallies but they should not try to create a divide between communities," Patil said.

Raj Thackeray had said that if the Shiv Sena-led state government did not remove loudspeakers from mosques before May 3, MNS workers would play Hanuman Chalisa in front of mosques.