Amravati: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray during a rally in Amravati on Wednesday lashed out at Congress and raised the issue of loudspeakers atop mosques. "Give me power, and I will ensure there's not a single loudspeaker on any mosque in Maharashtra," he said while alleging that certain Muslim leaders are issuing fatwas from mosques urging votes for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
Thackeray also claimed he had forced removal of mosque loudspeakers during Uddhav Thackeray's tenure as chief minister, leading to 17,000 cases being filed against his supporters. Recalling the aftermath of Navneet Rana's election loss, he pointed out that some in the Muslim community celebrated openly on the streets of Amravati. Thackeray criticised the administration's inaction and challenged, "Give us power, and if I fail to remove these loudspeakers, then hold me accountable."
Taking a jab at Sharad Pawar, Thackeray called him as "Saint Sharadchandra Pawar" accusing him of instigating disputes between OBC and Maratha communities. Thackeray further targeted Uddhav Thackeray's recent calls for Shivaji Maharaj temples across districts, asking, "Are statues not enough that temples need to be built in every district?"