Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, on Tuesday, made another appeal to people to play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers on Wednesday (May 4) if mosques continue with azan on loudspeakers.
Raj Thackeray had set May 3 as the deadline to remove loudspeakers atop mosques, and said if this was not done, then all Hindus should play the Hanuman Chalisa outside these religious places.
Taking to Twitter, the MNS chief said in a statement that the government is not willing to act on his ultimatum although there is a Supreme Court ruling against the use of loudspeakers. “Due to the loudspeakers being used under the name of religion, the elderly, the sick, children, students etc. are definitely disturbed and keeping this issue in mind, the Supreme Court has taken a decision,” the statement read.
Pointing out that loudspeakers are allowed only during festive season, he said if anyone needs use them, permission needs to be taken on a daily basis.
"The Supreme Court has set time and decibel limits...The loudspeakers usage decibel limit should be between 10 decibel and maximum 45-55 decibels. Please note that 10 decibels relates to the whispers that we have amongst ourselves. 55 decibels is equivalent to the sound of our kitchen mixer," the statement read.
He claimed that many of the masjids in the state are unauthorised.
He said the issue of loudspeakers is a social one. "People of every religion of this country are exposed to noise pollution. This very fact needs to be taken into consideration by all the governments of this country."
"If steps are taken to turn this social issue into a religious one, then we too can give a befitting reply. I appeal to all Hindus that tomorrow, the 4th of May, if you hear the loudspeakers blaring with azan; in those very places, play the Hanuman Chalisa on the loudspeakers! That’s when they will realise, the hindrance of these loudspeakers,” the statement read.
He also urged people to start a signature campaign against loudspeakers atop mosques.
