New Delhi, August 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Opposition leaders on Thursday criticised the reported removal of loudspeakers from several mosques in West Bengal, accusing the BJP of diverting attention from governance and development by politicising religious issues. The BJP, however, maintained that the action was aimed at enforcing noise pollution norms uniformly across all places of worship.
Speaking to IANS, All India United Party (AJUP) chief and MLA Humayun Kabir said the Constitution guarantees religious freedom while the Supreme Court has already laid down guidelines governing the use of loudspeakers.
“No one is against following the Supreme Court’s directions. The focus of the government should be on development and governance rather than repeatedly raising issues such as loudspeakers, animal sacrifice or Azaan,” Kabir said.
Congress MP Isha Khan Choudhary said that if regulations exist regarding loudspeaker usage, they should be implemented uniformly across the country without targeting any particular community.
Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hassan alleged that the BJP continues to pursue divisive politics.
“It is a BJP government, so what else can you expect? Their politics revolves around creating divisions between Hindus and Muslims,” she said.
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy also criticised the reported action, calling it “wrong” and accusing the BJP of pursuing a communal agenda.
“They are doing this to prevent Muslims from living peacefully and want to erase their identity. We strongly condemn such actions,” Roy said.
Responding to the controversy, BJP West Bengal President and MP Samik Bhattacharya said the West Bengal Police and the state Home Department were best placed to explain the specific action, but reiterated the party’s position on noise pollution.
“Our stand is clear. Whether it is a temple or a mosque, people should be free to pray peacefully. Those offering Namaz or giving the Azaan, and those reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, should all be able to do so without causing noise pollution through excessive use of loudspeakers,” he said.
BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi rejected allegations of discrimination, asserting that the action was intended solely to curb excessive noise.
“The allegations are baseless. High-volume loudspeakers were causing inconvenience to elderly people and students. The Pollution Control Board has acted uniformly against excessive noise at all religious places, including mosques, temples and other places of worship,” he said.
Meanwhile, All India Imam Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi said the Muslim community has been complying with the Supreme Court’s guidelines regarding the use of loudspeakers.
He noted that the court prohibits the use of loudspeakers and DJs between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and said the community has been adhering to those directions, including during the early morning Azaan.
The issue has sparked a political debate, with opposition parties alleging selective targeting, while BJP leaders insist the measures are intended to ensure uniform enforcement of noise pollution regulations without discrimination.
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