"Let's Not Talk About This Nonsense'": Nitish Kumar On Loudspeaker Row

His remarks came close on the heels of demands by BJP leaders in the state that Bihar follow the "Yogi model" of adjoining Uttar Pradesh.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday dismissed the controversy around the use of loudspeakers at places of worship, asserting that his government does not interfere in religious practices.

Talking to reporters in this remote north Bihar district on the sidelines of a function, Mr Kumar reacted to the controversy with barely concealed distaste.

"Let us not talk about this nonsense. It is known to all that in Bihar we do not interfere in religious practices of any sort. Of course, some people think it is their business to make a fuss and they keep at it," he said.

His remarks came close on the heels of demands by BJP leaders in the state that Bihar follow the "Yogi model" of adjoining Uttar Pradesh where thousands of loudspeakers have recently been removed from places of worship, citing health hazards posed by high decibel sounds.