West Bengal’s Muslim community is facing mounting pressure from authorities over the use of loudspeakers in mosques, according to claims by several Muslim leaders. Reports indicate that police have allegedly instructed mosque committees to dismantle loudspeakers used for the azan, or call to prayer. The controversy has drawn sharp responses from opposition figures and raised concerns over the enforcement of noise pollution regulations under the current government. The dispute centers on the implementation of court-mandated noise pollution rules, which require religious institutions to adhere to specific decibel limits, 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. According to reports, the West Bengal police have been tasked with ensuring compliance, and some imams claim that mosque committees have been advised to replace loudspeakers with sound boxes. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, representing the ruling BJP, has defended the measures, stating that the government is merely enforcing court orders. He confirmed that 5,299 loudspeakers had been removed from mosques and temples, with the majority coming from mosques. Adhikari emphasized that the government had directed police not to use force and asserted that mosque committees had cooperated with the administration. However, Muslim leaders have voiced concerns over potential violations of religious freedoms. Rebel Trinamool Congress MLA Akhruzzaman highlighted that all citizens have the constitutional right to practice their religion freely. He pledged to raise the issue with the Chief Minister, stressing that both Hindus and Muslims should be able to conduct their religious practices without interference. Former Bengal minister and TMC leader Siddiqullah Chowdhury warned of possible large-scale protests if the situation is not resolved. He accused police of visiting mosques and pressuring management to remove loudspeakers. Meanwhile, Indian Secular Front (ISF) MLA Naushad Siddiqui indicated he might seek judicial intervention and requested clarification from the Bengal Director General of Police on whether any official order had been issued. Siddiqui also called for a standardized procedure for implementing noise regulations and an investigation into any police misconduct. The ruling BJP has rejected criticisms of the policy, with Bengal BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya emphasizing that the country is democratic and that individuals have the right to protest. He criticized political parties for adopting double standards and stressed that governance should not be based solely on individual perspectives. Separately, Chandra Kumar Bose, the grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has resigned from the Trinamool Congress, citing personal reasons. Bose had previously left the BJP in 2023, criticizing the party for failing to uphold Netaji’s inclusive nationalist ideals. He joined the TMC ahead of the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections, hoping for a more inclusive political platform. His resignation comes amid ongoing political shifts in the state, adding complexity to the existing controversies. In Odisha, former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has returned to his home state following his resignation from the central cabinet. His arrival in Bhubaneswar was marked by a significant reception, attended by several ministers and legislators. Political analysts speculate that Pradhan could be considered for the chief ministerial post, though the outcome will depend on the decisions of the BJP leadership. His resignation followed widespread agitation over alleged examination irregularities, prompting calls for accountability. The political landscape in both West Bengal and Odisha continues to evolve rapidly, with each development influencing the broader regional dynamics. As tensions over religious practices and administrative policies persist in Bengal, the future course of actions by both the state and central governments remains uncertain.
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