BENGALURU: In response to a spate of religious-related occurrences in the state, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai declared on Tuesday that everyone is equal before the government and that mosque loudspeakers will not be removed forcibly.

"All steps will be taken to ensure peace," he stated, adding that no individual or organisation would be allowed to take law into their own hands. He went on to say that the ruling BJP had the people's support. He stated that in the next days, he will provide additional pro-people programmes, and that the problem would not be resolved by simply releasing comments. "A number of factors are at work in these developments. Orders were placed in 2001 and 2002. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not issued any orders.

He was referring to the restriction on Muslim traders at temples and religious fairs, as well as the use of loudspeakers in mosques, when he remarked, "We will keep everything in mind and make choices."

Explaining 'Azaan,' Bommai stated that the Apex Court has previously issued a ruling in this regard. "Another order has been issued, inquiring as to why its directions have not been carried out. A decibel limit has been established, and an order has been placed to purchase a decibel metre. "This is work that must be done with everyone's cooperation. It isn't possible to achieve it by force. The police are coordinating discussions with community leaders on the ground level. He stated, "It will be done in the future as well, and action will be taken."  Bommai stated that the question of cabinet expansion would most likely be discussed when he meets with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J.P. Nadda.

BJP in Karnataka all set for cabinet formation

Growing religious division in Karnataka, Kiran Mazumdar said - will destroy our global leadership

Amit Shah to visit Karnataka in April, likely to begin poll campaign: Bommai