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Mumbai:
A Shiv Sena chief’s feedback on likening “Azaan” (a name for Muslim prayer) with Hindu ritual of “aarti” and holding a “Azaan” recital competitors for Muslim youngsters have sparked a row, with the BJP on Monday accusing the Uddhav Thackeray-led get together of fixing its stand to stay in energy.
The Sena, NCP and Congress are constituents of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) authorities in Maharashtra.
The Sena chief Pandurang Sakpal, who’s the vibhag pramukh (division head) of Mumbai South, made these remarks throughout an interview to a Urdu information portal.
Mr Sakpal may be heard saying that he lives close to a Muslim cemetery in South Mumbai and finds recital of “Azaan” very good and he likes to hearken to it.
“Competitions are held for recital of Bhagwadgita. I have asked my colleague Shakil Ahmed to hold a “Azaan” competition for children. I feel it is like “aarti“. Late Balasaheb Thackeray (founder of Sena) was not against any religion. Even (chief minister and party president) Uddhav Thackeray takes all communities along,” Mr Sakpal advised the portal.
When contacted, Mr Sakpal stated his feedback had been misconstrued.
“How can one see every comment through the lens of religion? Office-bearers of NGO “MY Foundation” which works for Muslim children had visited me and discussed what can be done to keep children engaged at home during lockdown. I suggested them to organise online “Azaan” competitions so that children will remain indoors. It was just a suggestion.
“One of the office-bearers of the NGO, Shakil Ahmed, is a Shiv Sainik andmy colleague,” he told PTI.
Sena spokesman and state transport minister Anil Parab said he wasn’t aware of Mr Sakpal’s comments. BJP MLC and Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Council Pravin Darekar said, “(Mr) Sakpal’s feedback speaks volumes of the change within the get together to stay in energy”.
BJP MLA Atul Bhatkalkar said the Sena had always opposed holding “namaz” on roads in the past.
“The Sena used to marketing campaign saying voting for Congress was like voting for terror or for (Ajmal) Kasab,” he said.
MVA constituents NCP and Congress have welcomed Mr Sakpal’s suggestion on “Azaan” competition.
“Competitions for reciting Bhagwadgita had been held in Maharashtra through which Muslim ladies had gained prizes. What is incorrect with an Azaan competitors?” NCP minister Nawab Malik asked.
He said actors like Dilip Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khanhave portrayed temple scenes in their movies extremely well.
Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant said people filled with hatred cannot “perceive the great thing about dialog between man and God”.
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