Karnataka: As right-wing Hindu organizations asked for a ban on loudspeakers in mosques, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai stated the state government is enforcing a High Court ruling limiting the volume of loudspeakers in mosques.
Karnataka Chief Minister says this is a High Court ruling
“This is a High Court ruling,” the Chief Minister stated in answer to a question about right-wing Hindu organizations in Karnataka’s demand for a ban on loudspeakers in mosques. It is not being enforced through coercion. Everything must be done through discussions with various entities, ranging from police stations to district levels.”
“As you are well aware, all of these issues are old. In 2001 and 2002, the orders were issued. There have been no new orders placed. The decibel level that had to be maintained was also specified in the High Court judgment. Orders for decibel meters have been placed at the district level.”
No society or institution, the Chief Minister stated emphatically, will be permitted to disrupt Karnataka’s peace and unity. “In the perspective of the government, everyone is equal,” he remarked.
“The BJP is a national party,” Mr. Bommai remarked in response to JD(S) leader H. D. Kumaraswamy’s claim that the BJP has been dredging up communal issues. The people of Karnataka have endorsed the party. We are optimistic about providing good administration in the future days. Some leaders’ statements will not address problems.” Hindu organizations such as the Bajrang Dal and Sri Rama Sena have called for a ban on loudspeakers in mosques.
Raj Thackeray, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena’s leader, has asked that loudspeakers be removed from mosques across the state. “MNS employees will play Hanuman Chalisa and bhajans daily at 5 a.m. if loudspeakers are not removed,” he said.