New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) Opposition leaders on Thursday criticised the removal of loudspeakers from several mosques in West Bengal by the police, alleging that the issue was being politicised instead of focussing on development and governance.
Speaking to IANS, AJUP chief and MLA Humayun Kabir said that the Constitution of India provides guidelines for people of all faiths and that there is also a Supreme Court order regarding the use of loudspeakers.
“No one is against following the Supreme Court’s directions. Since the BJP came to power, it should focus on development work. Instead, the focus keeps shifting to issues such as loudspeakers, animal sacrifice, and ‘Azaan’ rather than governance and public welfare,” Kabir said.
Congress MP Isha Khan Choudhary stressed that if any rule exists regarding the use of loudspeakers, it should be implemented uniformly across the country and should not target any particular community.
Samajwadi Party MP, Iqra Hassan, also criticised the move, alleging that the BJP’s politics revolves around creating divisions between communities.
“It is a BJP government, so what else can you expect? Their politics is based on creating a Hindu-Muslim divide, and they are doing the same here,” she said.
Trinamool Congress MP, Saugata Roy, termed the action “wrong” and accused the BJP of pursuing a communal agenda.
“They are doing this to prevent Muslims from living peacefully and want to erase their identity. We strongly condemn such actions,” Roy said.
Responding to the controversy, BJP West Bengal State President and MP Samik Bhattacharya said that the West Bengal Police and the state Home Department were best placed to explain the action. However, he reiterated the BJP’s stand on the issue.
“Our position is clear. Whether it is a temple or a mosque, people should be free to pray peacefully. Those offering ‘Namaz’ or giving the ‘Azaan’ should do so peacefully, and those reciting the ‘Hanuman Chalisa’ should do the same. Religious practices should not lead to noise pollution through the excessive use of loudspeakers,” he said.
BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi rejected allegations of discrimination, stating that the action was aimed at controlling noise pollution.
“The claims are completely false. Excessive use of loudspeakers was causing inconvenience to elderly citizens and students. The Pollution Control Board has taken action uniformly against high-volume loudspeakers at all religious places, including mosques, temples, and other places of worship,” he said.
Meanwhile, All India Imam Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi said that the Supreme Court’s guidelines are clear and that Muslims are complying with them, including during the early morning ‘Azaan’. He noted that the court prohibits the use of loudspeakers and DJs between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and said the community is adhering to those directions.
–IANS
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