We are against loudspeakers, not any religion, says MNS a day after Nashik cops' directive

A day after the Nashik police restricted the use of loudspeakers at religious places, Raj Thackeray's MNS has said that it is not against any religion but only against loudspeakers and noise pollution.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena spokesperson Wagis Saraswat on Tuesday, April 19, said that his organization was not against any religion but only against the use of loudspeakers.

“We are not against any religion. We are against loudspeakers. The Maharashtra government is taking a few decisions and we will decide our strategy after the state issues guidelines,” Saraswat said.

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“Raj Thackeray is against noise pollution. A few days ago, he asked loudspeakers to be removed from Shivaji Park where bhajans were being played. Raj Thackeray only wants the Supreme Court Guidelines to be followed,” he said.

The MNS’s comments came a day after the Nashik Police issued directives prohibiting the use of loudspeakers without permission at religious places. The cops said that Hanuman Chalisa wouldn't be allowed to be played on loudspeakers 15 minutes before and after Azaan is offered.

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The police also prohibited the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa within a 150-metre radius of a mosque. A detailed order bringing the entire state under similar restrictions is likely to be issued within two days, the Maharashtra Home Department said.