Maharashtra: Amid ongoing loudspeaker row, Raj Thackeray to hold meeting with top MNS leaders today

Raj Thackeray. File pic

Amid the ongoing loudspeaker row in the state, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray will hold a meeting with the party's top leaders at his residence on Tuesday, said party sources.

According to sources, in today's meeting, a strategy will be prepared on the issues of the May 3 ultimatum to remove loudspeakers from mosques. A party meeting is also scheduled to be held on May 1 in Aurangabad.

After the MNS chief reiterated his warning to take down loudspeakers from the mosques by May 3, the state Home Department on Monday stated that the use of loudspeakers at the religious sites will only be allowed with due permission.

In wake of the ongoing loudspeaker row in the state, Thackeray had on Sunday said that the Muslims in the country should understand that "religion is not above law and country" while also asking them to take down loudspeakers from mosques.

"We don't want riots in Maharashtra. No one has opposed the offering of prayers. We want the loudspeakers that are put up in the mosques and are illegal in the entire country should be taken down. If you do it on loudspeaker, then we will also use loudspeakers for it. Muslims should understand that religion isn't bigger than the law. After May 3, I will see what to do," Thackeray said.

The MNS chief asked the Hindus to "wait till May 3" and play Hanuman Chalisa thereafter in front of the mosques that "don't take down the loudspeakers".

"I only have to say to the Hindus across India to wait till May 3. And after that, play Hanuman Chalisa in front of all such mosques that don't take down the loudspeakers," he said.

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