"Means Allah Is Deaf": Karnataka BJP MLA's Controversial Remark On Azaan
NDTV
Senior BJP leader and former minister KS Eshwarappa was addressing a public gathering when Azaan went out from a mosque nearby.
A Karnataka BJP leader has made controversial remarks on Azaan and asked if "Allah is deaf" that loudspeakers need to be used to call him. The remarks are likely to stoke again the azaan debate, which had reached the high court last year.
Senior BJP leader and former minister KS Eshwarappa was addressing a public gathering when Azaan - meaning a prayer call - went out from a mosque nearby. "Wherever I go, this (Azaan) gives me a headache," Mr Eshwarappa said. "Supreme Court's judgment is due, if not today, this call for Azaan will come to an end."
The BJP leader then questioned if Allah will listen to prayers only if loudspeakers are used during Azaan. "In temples, girls and women offer prayers and bhajans. We are religious, but we don't use loudspeakers. If you have to call for prayers using loudspeakers, it means Allah is deaf," he added.
Mr Eshwarappa, who has also served as a deputy Chief Minister, is no stranger to controversies. He earlier sparked a row when he referred to 18th century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan as a "Muslim gunda".
