Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray addressed a public rally in Aurangabad on May 1 over the raging loudspeaker and related Hanuman Chalisa issue. He asked the police to remove loudspeakers atop mosques by May 3 and said he would not be responsible for “what all happens” after the deadline. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Lok Sabha MP from Aurangabad
Q. What do you have to say about the loudspeaker issue?
Basically if there are certain judgments of the Supreme Court, it is the responsibility of the state government, district administration and the police to implement them. But a dangerous trend would be set if leaders of political parties are going to decide the implementation of SC judgments.
The manner in which Raj spoke by threatening a community has set a bad precedent. The issue has to be sorted out amicably. But he came on stage and openly warned the police to stop azaan. What he said in Marathi translates to ‘let’s have a one-on-one’ fight. What was he trying to say?
On the one hand, a number of sedition cases are filed on flimsy grounds and on the other hand, here is a man who is threatening a community and exhorting thousands of people to break the law but nothing is happening against him. He is trying to create a rift in society. It can lead to an alarming situation. We want the state government to respond.
Q: How will your party and supporters react to the situation?
There is no reason for Muslims to come on the streets. We have firm belief in the judiciary and the police. We are waiting to see the kind of action they initiate against MNS and Raj. Tomorrow, we can also organise such a rally and can speak a better language. In that case, the police will not have a reason to file a case against us because they have set a precedent.
The worst part is that the rally took place on May 1 - Maharashtra Day. Also, these people use the name of great stalwarts such as Chhatrapati Shivaji, Shahuji, Bhimrao Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule. Their speech starts with invoking the names of these stalwarts. But had they imbibed even 5% of the ideals of these great men, they would not have spoken the language they did yesterday. I understand they may have issues with Muslms but the beauty of the country is unity and diversity. If you try to break that unity and set an agenda, then it is bad for the country. The police will have to take action and set a precedent.
Q: Do you think Muslims are being targeted?
The fight these days is not between Hindus and Muslims. There are a number of players led by BJP, Shiv Sena, MNS and other parties. All of them are fighting among themselves to prove that they are the most powerful Hindu group and they can take Hindus forward in a better way. They think that if they want to grow as a party or politician, they shouldn't speak about poverty, unemployment, price rise, investments, opportunities and the like. But for them the easy and shortcut way is abusing the Muslim community. Raking issues such as hijab, loudspeaker and masjid are the easiest methods to climb the ladder. They think Muslims are the easiest target.
Q: What significance do you see in Raj Thackeray’s rally in your Lok Sabha constituency?
Raj started his campaign from Mumbai and then he went to Thane. Aurangabad was his third destination. He seems to have chosen Aurangabad because it has a history of communal riots. Communally, it is a hyper-sensitive city. His design was to provoke the people and create a situation where the city goes back to the old days. I was an MLA between 2014 and 2019 and have been a Lok Sabha MP since 2019 – both times from Aurangabad. We will not allow any communal riots to take place. Political parties are trying to use the people for their own vested interests. But 90% of non-Muslims will not fall prey to their designs.
Q: How tough a time is it for you?
I invited Raj to iftar because we wanted to bring down tempers. I have told the government that I can hold a better rally than Raj. Do you want this to happen? Or else take action. I expect the government and the police to act. We can also organise similar meetings. But there is no reason to come on the streets. We do not think that MNS, which does not have any representation in Parliament, is worthy enough to compete with. It has failed on all fronts.
Q: What do you have to say about independent Lok Sabha MP from Amravati Navneet Rana and her MLA husband Vijay Rana who are under arrest because of threatening to recite Hanuman Chalisa in front of Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray’s residence? Do you support the Maharashtra government’s decision to arrest the Ranas?
Navneet is a drama queen. I have been observing her in Parliament. She won because of the support of NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) and others. Muslims also voted in her favour. She knows that BJP is in power at the Centre. Therefore, she is indulging in such dramas to please BJP. The judiciary has taken note. Now it is for the courts to decide the action to be taken against her.
Q: Who do you think gains from the whole issue?
The ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government is a big blow for everyone. Shiv Sena was against NCP and Congress but is sharing power for political gains. NCP is also playing games. It wants communal tension to grow so that it helps Raj to grow and Shiv Sena is weakened. The people have realised all this and, therefore, they are not responding to the provocations.
Q: Why do you think Congress is silent on the issue?
Congress has lost relevance both at the national and state level.
