Imtiyaz Jaleel questions Raj Thackeray over ‘loudspeaker’ comment

Mumbai: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen MP Imtiyaz Jaleel has questioned MNS chief Raj Thackeray over his “loudspeakers in the masjid” remark.

Mr Jaleel said, “Raj Thackeray has been in politics for the last 14 years but it is now that he realises the sound of masjid loudspeakers.”

He alleged that Raj Thackeray has taken up issues related to Hindus ever since the Shiv Sena joined hands with secular parties. Mr Jaleel said that he is not scared of the MNS and that the party will fight against everyone who attacks it.

On Thursday, Raj Thackeray unveiled his new saffron flag at the NESCO ground in Goregaon.

“I am Marathi and a Hindu too. I have not changed my religion... If you try to mess with the Marathi in me, I will go after that person as a Marathi, and I will go after him as a Hindu if one messes with the Hindu in me,” he said.

In his speech, Raj also said that Muslims who are “honest” towards the country “are ours”. The country cannot “reject” personalities like former president APJ Abdul Kalam, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan and lyricist Javed Akhtar, he said.

He raised the issue of loudspeakers that are installed inside masjids. He questioned the need for loudspeakers in masjids saying that even Hindus prayed everyday but did not use loudspeakers.

He noted that Muslims had hit the streets to march against the CAA in large numbers.

“Some people told me the reason behind the protests: they are angry that Article 370 was scrapped, there is anger against the (Supreme Court's) Ram temple verdict. And that pent-up anger is being expressed,” Raj  said.