Mumbai, May 5 (Bureau) Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant on Thursday slammed the Raj Thackeray-led MNS party for their agitation over loudspeaker-use in mosques, saying it will cause more damage to Hindus as 2,404 temples will also have to dismantle their instruments. Addressing the media he said azaan has been stopped by Muslims, but Kakad Aarti has also stopped, illustrating the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s move is hampering both. “There are a total of 2,404 temples and 1,144 mosques in Mumbai. Till yesterday only 20 of these temples & 922 mosques had permissions. Applications for 5 temples and 15 mosques were pending (on loudspeaker use). If we listen to MNS, along with masjids, over 2,400 temples will not be able to use loudspeakers,” he added. In Trimbakeshwar and Shirdi Kakad aarti has also stopped.
Whose sin is this?” he said. “The politically selfish stand of MNS are harmful to progressive Maharashtra. Reason why BJP ruled states have not banned loudspeakers is quite clear,” he added. Aurangabad Police has registered a case against Raj Thackeray for allegedly delivering a provocative speech. Loudspeakers have remained switched off during azaan at several places in Maharashtra, including Shirdi, Shrirampur, Parbhani, Osmanabad, Hingoli, parts of Jalna, Nanded, Nandurbar. About 250-260 MNS workers have been detained across the state. The MNS chief on the eve of Eid had stressed the loudspeaker issue is “not a one-day issue”. “If mosques don’t follow guidelines, then Hanuman Chalisa will be played at double volume. Students and ill people suffer because of loudspeakers. Is your religion bigger than people?” his speech that led to the police action said.