Maharashtra Congress Ministers to meet to discuss political situation amid Loudspeaker row

In latest scoop from Maharashtra, Republic TV has learned that state Minister of Revenue Balasaheb Thorat and PWD Minister Maharashtra Ashok Chavan have called a meeting of Congress ministers in state on April 19. According to sources, Congress Ministers will be meeting in Sahyri at 8 pm in order to discuss prevailing political situation in state. sources informed Republic that ongoing loudspeaker row and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's ultimatum will also be a point of discussion in meeting. 

MNS demands ban on loudspeakers

This comes in backdrop of Raj Thackeray's ultimatum for a loudspeaker ban across mosques in state. Speaking at a public rally in Mumbai's Shivaji Park, Raj Thackeray h warned that speakers outside mosques would play Hanuman Chalisa at a higher volume, in case a call on issue was not taken by state.

"Loudspeakers in mosques should be shut till May 3, orwise, we will play Hanuman Chalisa in speakers. This is a social issue, not a religious one. I want to tell state government, we will not go back on this subject, do whatever you want to do," ANI quoted him as saying.

Meanwhile, ruling Shiv Sena party's MP Sanjay Raut, on Saturday, h called MNS chief a "new Hindu Owaisi" and his party a "new Hindutva MIM". ditionally, in recent turn of events, MNS, on Tuesday, has revealed that it now plans to perform Maha Aarti across state. According to sources, Maha Aarti will be performed by MNS workers at ir local temples on May 3 on occasion of Akshaya Tritiya festival. decision was taken at a party meeting that was chaired by MNS supremo Raj Thackeray.

Amid ongoing row on use of loudspeakers at religious places, State Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil said that Director-General of police and Mumbai Police Commissioner would formulate guidelines for use of loudspeakers in public places. " guidelines will be issued in next 1-2 days. Strict action will be taken against those who try to disturb peace in state", Dilip Walse Patil told reporters on Monday. 

In a 2016 ruling, Bombay High Court h directed removal of illegal loudspeakers installed at religious places, including mosques, in Maharashtra. court h also remarked that religious places should follow noise pollution rules.