Maharashtra DyCM Ajit Pawar Warns BJP’s Kirit Somaiya Against Mosque Visits Over Loudspeaker Row

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has issued a strong warning to BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, advising him not to visit mosques to personally inspect loudspeakers, stating that such actions could trigger a law and order situation in the state. Pawar's statement raised eyebrows in political circles, as his NCP faction is part of the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.

The warning, issued in the presence of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, came after a delegation of Muslim leaders from Mumbai met Pawar on Wednesday at the Sahyadri Guest House. The leaders expressed concern over Somaiya’s alleged visits and the removal of loudspeakers from mosques by the police. The delegation included former NCP MLA Nawab Malik, his daughter and MLA Sana Malik, Samajwadi Party state president and MLA Abu Asim Azmi, and former MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui.

According to the delegation, Kirit Somaiya has been personally visiting mosques and allegedly pressuring the police to remove loudspeakers—actions they warned could escalate tensions and lead to unrest. They held Somaiya responsible for any potential communal disturbances arising from this issue.

During the meeting, Commissioner Bharti explained the practical challenges of enforcing the High Court’s order limiting noise levels to between 45 and 55 decibels. He reportedly demonstrated that even sound levels during their meeting exceeded 45 decibels, underscoring the difficulty of strict enforcement in a city like Mumbai.

Deputy CM Ajit Pawar instructed Bharti to enforce the High Court’s order but cautioned against wrongful or biased enforcement. Bharti informed Pawar that approximately 1,500 loudspeakers had already been removed from religious places across Mumbai in compliance with the order.

Later, Nawab Malik told the media that permissible sound levels are 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night, with a complete ban on loudspeakers between 10 PM and 6 AM. He emphasized that enforcement must be balanced and impartial.

Meanwhile, SP leader Abu Azmi criticized the selective targeting of mosques. “Azaan is played across the country, but this seems to be a problem only in Mumbai. Unnecessary tensions are being created between Hindus and Muslims,” he said.

However, Mumbai BJP president and Culture Minister Ashish Shelar defended Somaiya, stating that his actions were based on the High Court order. BJP sources clarified that Somaiya did not visit mosques but merely met senior police inspectors and pointed out violations by specific mosques within their jurisdictions.

Strong opposition continues to mount from the Muslim community in Mumbai against both Somaiya and the police action. A petition has already been filed by five Muslim institutions challenging the removal of loudspeakers. In Govandi, around 200 imams gathered, where Abu Azmi urged them to demand written clarification from police if they failed to present official orders for the removal.

Despite being part of the ruling alliance, Muslim organizations view Ajit Pawar as a secular and approachable figure. His past actions—such as supporting the community during the Vishalgad house demolition issue, the Pusesawali murder case in Satara, and the Mira Road riots—have earned him credibility among Muslim leaders. On the sensitive issue of mosque loudspeakers, they believe Pawar will ensure justice, unlike CM Devendra Fadnavis or Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, whom they claim have not been as responsive.