Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday demanded the state government to remove loudspeakers from mosques. Addressing his supporters at a rally in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, Raj Thackeray said, “Why are loudspeakers played at such a high volume in mosques? If this is not stopped, speakers of Hanuman Chalisa will start playing outside mosques at high volumes.” He said, “I am not against prayer or any particular religion. I am proud of my religion.”
Targeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray said that the CM was running the government in alliance with the forces who opposed him during the elections. Raj Thackeray said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had always projected Devendra Fadnavis as the chief minister and Uddhav never uttered a word. It was only after the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections were announced that he got the idea of becoming the Chief Minister and forging an alliance with the opposition parties.
Raj Thackeray also attacked the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Raj Thackeray accused the NCP of spreading caste-based hatred in the state since its formation. He said, “Today people are fighting over caste issues in the state. When will we come out of this and become Hindu?”
Raj Thackeray had also criticized the recent announcement of the state government to give houses to MLAs in Mumbai. He had said, “His pension should be stopped first. Are they doing people any favors with their work? Take their bungalows and then give them houses. What is good for the Chief Minister in this scheme also. Is there anything in this plan that is interesting?”