Raj Thackeray resorts to signature campaign
MNS chief Raj Thackeray urged people to complain against loudspeakers on police helpline 100
MUMBAI: As the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) campaign against loudspeakers used by mosques failed to evoke much response on Wednesday, the party has now shifted its focus to signature campaigns and also urged people to complain to police helpline 100 against loudspeakers.
MVA government’s crackdown on MNS workers as well as heavy police bandobast, especially outside mosques, blunted the right-wing party’s aggression. In addition, the police department also convinced a majority of mosques not to broadcast Azaan on loudspeakers or do so within permissible decibel limit. Many mosques in Malegaon removed their loudspeakers, while those in Bhiwandi toned down their volumes. “We want to respect the Supreme Court’s order,” said the cleric of a mosque which removed the loudspeakers. Many mosques also decided to skip broadcasting the early morning Azaan since it violates the SC guidelines which bar the use of loudspeakers between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.
MNS leader Nitin Sardesai said that the campaign against loudspeakers continues. “It is now the citizens who have now taken the initiative of signature campaigns. People troubled by loudspeakers have called up the police. What alternative do the people have now?” questioned Sardesai.
Some of the MNS leaders have started online signature campaigns but physical campaigns are still to take place. “The police department is still after us and is raiding our houses. We cannot start it now,” said an MNS leader from South Mumbai. The MNS cut a sorry figure as its general
secretary Sandeep Deshpande was seen running away from the police in his car injuring a female police personnel Rohini Mali. He has been booked under various sections, including assault to deter a public servant
from discharge of duty.
Political analyst Hemant Desai dubbed the move as mellowing down of the MNS. “MNS is facing the heat of the state government, which has conveyed that it means business,” he said.