Citizens in Mumbra rally behind the Social Democratic Party of India’s signature drive, rejecting BJP leader Kirit Soumya’s call to remove mosque loudspeakers
MUMBRA (Thane) – In a bold show of public resistance, Muslims in Thane district have launched a large-scale signature campaign against what they call an anti-Muslim move by BJP leader, Kirit Soumya, who is pushing for the removal of loudspeakers from mosques.
The campaign, led by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), gathered hundreds of signatures from local citizens in Mumbra, a Muslim-majority area in Thane. The initiative took place near the Darul Falah Mosque and continued over two days last week with active participation from the community.
According to SDPI workers, the campaign is a direct response to former MP Kirit Soumya’s recent visit to Thane, where he met with police officials and demanded that the district follow Mumbai in removing loudspeakers from religious sites, particularly mosques.
Mohammad Tanveer Khan, a key member of the SDPI, released a strong video statement condemning Soumya’s actions.
“This is not about noise pollution. This is a targeted campaign against Muslims and our religious rights,” Khan said. “Kirit Soumya is like a chameleon — changing colours and creating tension wherever he goes. He wants to disturb the peaceful environment of our state.”
He added, “We respect the law. If the court has ordered that sound limits should be checked, then that rule should be applied to all religious places equally — temples, churches, and mosques. Why are only mosques being targeted?”
The SDPI has vowed to escalate the matter by submitting the collected signatures to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They are urging him not to allow any action that could hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims.
An SDPI organiser, who requested anonymity, said:
“We are not against the law, but we will not accept selective targeting of our faith. If this continues, it will only increase fear and anger in our community.”
The party accused Soumya of using the issue for political mileage and playing with communal sentiments at a sensitive time.
Many locals worry that actions like those taken by Soumya could inflame tensions between communities.
Mohammad Imran, a local businessman, said: “We pray five times a day and the loudspeaker is an old tradition. It does not harm anyone. These political leaders are only trying to create issues to stay relevant.”
Local residents also questioned why Soumya did not raise similar concerns about the loudspeakers used during Hindu festivals or temple bhajans.
“You can hear temple bhajans at 5 am with drums and fireworks, but no one questions that. Why only mosques?” asked a college student, Afreen Shaikh.
The issue of mosque loudspeakers has been debated in Maharashtra for years, with some courts recommending the monitoring of decibel levels. However, many Muslims argue that the law is being enforced unequally and in a manner that appears biased.
Community leaders say that any changes to religious practices must come through mutual dialogue, not political pressure.
A retired school teacher, Amina Bano, voiced her concern: “If Kirit Soumya wants to prove he’s against noise, he should first ask for a survey of all loudspeakers, not just those in mosques. Let there be fairness.”
SDPI’s campaign appears to have struck a chord with local Muslims who see it as a stand not just for religious freedom, but also for communal peace.
“We are not here to fight. We are here to live peacefully,” said Tanveer Khan. “But peace cannot come at the cost of our dignity and rights. We will oppose any attempt to silence our call to prayer.”
The party has called on the Maharashtra government to stop Soumya and others from spreading hate and warned that ignoring the voice of the people could lead to unrest.
As tensions simmer, residents of Mumbra continue to sign the petition — not out of anger alone, but from a deep desire to protect their way of life.
