Opposition leaders across party lines on Thursday, 6 August condemned the removal of loudspeakers from several mosques in West Bengal by the police, charging that the action was being used to stoke communal divisions rather than address development and governance priorities.

What the Opposition Said

AJUP chief and MLA Humayun Kabir noted that the Constitution of India provides guidelines for all faiths and that the Supreme Court has issued clear directions on loudspeaker use. 'No one is against following the Supreme Court's directions. Since the BJP came to power, it should focus on development work. Instead, the focus keeps shifting to issues such as loudspeakers, animal sacrifice, and 'Azaan' rather than governance and public welfare,' Kabir said.

Congress MP Isha Khan Choudhary argued that any rule governing loudspeaker use must be applied uniformly across the country and must not single out any particular community. Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hassan echoed that view, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) builds its politics on deepening communal fault lines. 'It is a BJP government, so what else can you expect? Their politics is based on creating a Hindu-Muslim divide, and they are doing the same here,' she said.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy called the action 'wrong' and accused the BJP of pursuing a communal agenda. 'They are doing this to prevent Muslims from living peacefully and want to erase their identity. We strongly condemn such actions,' Roy said.

BJP's Position

BJP West Bengal State President and MP Samik Bhattacharya deferred to the West Bengal Police and the state Home Department to explain the specifics of the action, while restating the party's broader stance. 'Our position is clear. Whether it is a temple or a mosque, people should be free to pray peacefully. Those offering 'Namaz' or giving the 'Azaan' should do so peacefully, and those reciting the 'Hanuman Chalisa' should do the same. Religious practices should not lead to noise pollution through the excessive use of loudspeakers,' he said.

BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi rejected allegations of discrimination outright, stating that the action targeted noise pollution and not any single community. 'The claims are completely false. Excessive use of loudspeakers was causing inconvenience to elderly citizens and students. The Pollution Control Board has taken action uniformly against high-volume loudspeakers at all religious places, including mosques, temples, and other places of worship,' he said.

What the Supreme Court Guidelines Say

All India Imam Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi stated that the Supreme Court's guidelines are unambiguous and that the Muslim community is complying with them, including during the early morning 'Azaan'. The court prohibits the use of loudspeakers and DJs between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and Rashidi noted that the community is adhering to those directions.

Broader Context

The controversy is not new to India's political landscape. Disputes over loudspeaker use at religious sites have periodically surfaced across multiple states, often intensifying ahead of elections or during periods of communal tension. This comes amid a broader national debate over noise pollution regulations and their selective or uniform application at places of worship. Critics argue that enforcement patterns tend to reflect political priorities rather than consistent rule of law — a charge the BJP has consistently denied. How the West Bengal government and courts respond to the competing claims will be closely watched in the weeks ahead.