Eshwarappa’s comment on ‘azaan’ stokes controversy

Mangaluru: Former Karnataka minister KS Eshwarappa has stoked controversy over the use of loudspeakers to issue prayer calls (azaan), saying, “Will Allah listen (to prayers) only if the call is blared through loudspeakers?” The remark drew a sharp reaction from the Muslim community which urged BJP to keep its senior leader in check.
Addressing a rally in Mangaluru on Sunday, Eshwarappa paused his speech on hearing ‘azaan’ from a mosque and said, “This is a headache wherever you go. There is a Supreme Court judgment (on the restricted use of loudspeakers). This (practice) will stop today or tomorrow; and there should be no doubt about it.”