MNS workers to perform ‘Maha aarti’ at local Hindu temples on Akshaya Tritiya using loudspeakers

MNS chief Raj Thackeray has earlier warned the state govt to take down loudspeakers from the mosques by May 3, as per ANI.

Mumbai: Amid the ongoing loudspeaker row in the state, a Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader on Tuesday said that his party workers will perform “Maha aarti” at the local Hindu temples across the state on May 3 on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

“The aarti will be performed using loudspeakers.” MNS leader Nitin Sardesai said.

Meanwhile, MNS chief Raj Thackeray will hold a meeting with his top leaders at his residence to discuss the issue, sources told ANI. According to sources, during today`s meeting, a strategy will be prepared on the issues of the May 3 ultimatum to remove loudspeakers from mosques, a party meeting scheduled to be held on May 1 in Aurangabad and his upcoming Ayodhya visit in June.

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. 

(With ANI Inputs)