The demand by MNS chief Raj Thackeray last week to push for removal of high-decibel loudspeakers from mosques in Maharashtra is continuing to dominate state politics.
The BJP had backed the demand by Raj Thackeray, who is a cousin of Shiv Sena supremo and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
On Wednesday, former Maharashtra chief minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis targeted the chief minister over the issue. “It seems that Uddhav Thackeray has joined the queue of pseudo-seculars. He doesn't take action on loudspeakers even after HC order but when 'Hanuman Chalisa' is played on loudspeakers, it's seized. It means Uddhav Thackeray has joined politics of pseudo-secular,” Fadnavis was quoted as saying by ANI.
Fadnavis made the comments at an event to mark the BJP's Foundation Day.
On Tuesday, Maharastra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil, an NCP member, said the law and order situation in the state was under control. Patil accused the BJP of seeking to polarise Hindu votes by using the loudspeaker issue. Patil declared he did not think the issue would lead to a riot as “our police force is keeping a close tab”.
Fadnavis rejects charges against Kirit Somaiya
Fadnavis responded to charges made by Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut against former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya. Raut had alleged Somaiya had siphoned off Rs 58 crore during a crowd-funding campaign that aimed to save the Vikrant, the Indian Navy's first aircraft carrier.
Fadnavis was quoted by ANI as saying “They [Shiv Sena] have not provided any evidence against Kirit Somaiya. They try their best to act against Kirit and his son. We are watching this matter.”
