After campaigning to ban halal meat sold by Muslim traders, Hindutva organizations like Bajrang Dal and Sriram Sena warned that they will play Bhajans at 5 AM as a protest against azan from loudspeakers at mosques in Karnataka. The organizations backed MNS Chief Raj Thackeray who demanded that loudspeakers of mosques be shut down in Maharashtra.
In a video message, Sriram Sena convener Pramod Muthalik said that they are demanding the loudspeakers in mosques be banned. He also said that the Supreme Court’s order that prohibits the usage of loudspeakers from 10 PM to 6 AM every day, be implemented. In this regard, the Sriram Sena had petitioned the authorities concerned, but no one paid heed, he alleged.
https://twitter.com/safaperaje/status/1511408861697409025?s=20&t=WTHo0HexefbiFJhMn6whyg
“The order also says that loudspeakers should not be used in the silent zones such as schools and hospitals but that order is being violated by the mosque management. We will play Bhajan every morning if the loudspeakers from mosques are not removed,” Muthalik warned.
The anti-azan campaign and the ‘silence’ of the state were vehemently criticized by the opposition parties. Former Chief Minister H.D Kumaraswamy accused the current CM Basavraj Bommai of negligence and inaction on the issue.
He added that“Muslims have been using loudspeakers for azan. Why are Hindutva organizations getting disturbed suddenly now?” he asked. “The Chief Minister is not responding to anything. He has remained silent as if nothing has happened.”
Karnataka CM #BasavarajBommai spoke on the use of loudspeakers amid a debate over the #Azaan row that started in neighbouring Maharashtra last week. https://t.co/vpwFK74CMN
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) April 5, 2022
He also blamed the government for being the ‘remote control’ of the RSS and is unable to function independently.“The CM wants to appease the Sangh Parivar and he does not have independence.”
KPCC(Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee) working president and MLA Ramalinga Reddy, said that the BJP-led central and state governments are diverting attention from real issues such as inflation and unemployment. Hindutva outfits, with the support of the State Government, have been raising communal issues and trying to tear down the social fabric.
Amid Azaan row, K’taka Police issue circular to take action against noise pollution https://t.co/EbphkFDu4W #azaan #Chase #circular #Kalaburagi #Karnataka Read Full 👇
— TeluguStop.com (@telugustop) April 6, 2022
City Police Commissioner Kamal Pant said that all religious places are required to strictly follow the directions of the High Court on noise pollution under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules enacted in 2000.
Any violations attract contempt proceedings and legal action. He further said that action will also be taken against temple management under violation and contempt.
References: The Hindu, The Deccan Chronicle
Featured Image Source: Awaz the Voice
