Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati sharply criticized the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to remove unauthorised loudspeakers from religious places during Ramzan, a month of fasting and prayer for Muslims.
The government’s move, part of a broader crackdown on loudspeakers exceeding noise limits, has sparked political controversy.
Mayawati raised concerns about the selective enforcement of rules and urged authorities to treat all religions equally, without bias or partiality.
Call For Equal Enforcement Of Rules
In a statement on social media platform X, Mayawati emphasized that India is a secular country that respects all religions.
She criticized the decision as part of a broader trend of “step-motherly” treatment towards Muslims.
“The central and state governments should treat the followers of all religions equally, but the attitude being adopted towards Muslims, especially in religious matters, is not justified,” she stated.
1. भारत सभी धर्मों को सम्मान देने वाला धर्मनिरपेक्ष देश है। ऐसे में केन्द्र व राज्य सरकारों को बिना पक्षपात के सभी धर्मों के मानने वालों के साथ एक जैसा बर्ताव करना चाहिए, किन्तु अब मुसलमानों के साथ धार्मिक मामलों में भी जो सौतेला रवैया अपनाया जा रहा है, यह न्यायसंगत नहीं।
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) March 4, 2025
She further pointed out that authorities should apply noise restrictions for religious festivals uniformly across all faiths.
“The rules and regulations related to restrictions and exemptions for festivals of all religions should be implemented equally, without any bias,” she said.
2. साथ ही, सभी धर्मों के पर्व-त्योहारों आदि को लेकर पाबन्दियाँ व छूट से सम्बंधित जो नियम-कानून हैं उन्हें बिना पक्षपात एक जैसा लागू होना चाहिए, जो ऐसा होता हुआ नहीं दिख रहा है। इससे समाज में शान्ति व आपसी सौहार्द बिगड़ना स्वाभाविक, जो अति-चिन्तनीय। सरकारें इस ओर जरूर ध्यान दें।
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) March 4, 2025
Mayawati expressed concern that the selective enforcement of these rules could lead to tensions in society.
Risk To Peace & Harmony
Mayawati warned that the partial application of such measures could lead to societal discord.
“It is natural for peace and harmony in society to deteriorate due to this, which is a matter of great concern,” she stated.
She urged the authorities to reconsider their stance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony and peace in the state.
Ramzan, which began on Sunday in India, is a month-long period for Muslims to fast, pray, and engage in spiritual reflection.
During Ramzan, people hold special evening prayers called Tarawih, and loudspeakers often broadcast prayers and Quran recitations.
However, the Uttar Pradesh administration has taken a firm stance against loudspeakers exceeding noise levels at religious sites, which has led to Muslim leaders calling for exemptions during Ramzan.
Government’s Enforcement Of Noise Regulations
The police have been actively enforcing the noise regulations, resulting in calls for concessions for the use of loudspeakers during Ramzan.
Religious leaders have argued that the use of loudspeakers during this time is vital for the prayers and spiritual observances of Muslims.
However, the Uttar Pradesh government maintains that the crackdown on noise pollution is necessary to maintain public peace and avoid disturbances.
As the controversy over the loudspeaker regulations continues, Mayawati’s statements highlight a broader debate on how India treats religious practices.
Her call for equal treatment of all religions highlights the challenges faced by the government in balancing public order with respect for religious freedoms.
The matter remains sensitive, with the potential to impact the social and political landscape in the state.
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