Use loudspeakers to talk about rising inflation, says Aditya Thackeray to MNS chief

Amid demands of removing loudspeakers from outside mosques, Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray mocked his uncle and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray saying one should talk about rising inflation using loudspeakers.

MNS chief has threatened to hold protests if loudspeakers are not removed from mosques by May 3 and asked the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government to remove speakers. He also said that if the demand wasn't met, MNS workers will play the Hanuman Chalisa outside mosques, reported ANI. Both BJP and MNS followers have been demanding that loudspeakers in mosques be shut down.

Aditya Thackeray responded to the situation and told the media: "One should speak about petrol, diesel, CNG prices using a loudspeaker instead of removing them." He also encouraged talking about what happened in the last two to three years instead of talking about the events that took place 60 years ago.

Raj Thackeray's remarks about loudspeakers in mosques have sparked debate in the political circles. He called the existence of speakers a "social issue" and declared he will not back down. "I want to tell the state government (of Maharashtra), do whatever you want to do."

After he reiterated the demand about loudspeakers at a rally while wielding a sword, a case has been filed against the MNS chief. MNS' district president of Thane and Palghar Avinash Anant Jadhav and the party's Thane city president Ravindra are among the eight charged.

Raj Thackeray had said the loudspeakers outside mosques are a nuisance to others and he is not against prayer, but people should follow their faith in their homes without causing trouble to others. After his speech at the rally, many MNS supporters began playing Hanuman Chalisa in front of mosques which led to clashes.

The MNS chief also claimed that people living in the Muslim areas close to mosques are "Pakistani supporters". He asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raid "the Madarasas at the Muslim shanties." Mr. Thackeray accused Mumbai Police of being aware of what is happening there and MLAs of using the residents as vote banks.

Aditya Thackeray alleged that the MNS workers and his uncle are trying to "revive a dead party". He added that Shiv Sena's Hindutva is known to everyone and they will fulfill what was promised to the people during elections.