Pune (Maharashtra) [India], April 5 (ANI): Maharashtra Energy Minister and Congress leader Nitin Raut reacting to Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's comment to remove loudspeakers from mosques said it is "our responsibility to keep the country united."

"India is a country of different languages, religions and cultures, it is our responsibility to keep the country united. It is really sad that people are giving such statements about religion, it shows their mentality," Raut said here on Monday.

Also Read | Fuel Price Hike: Petrol, Diesel Prices Up by 80 Paise; Total Increase Now Stands at Rs 9.20 Per Litre.

Raut's remarks follow Thackeray's call last week for the removal of mosque loudspeakers. The MNS leader had also given a stern warning to the Maharashtra government to play Hanuman Chalisa on loudspeakers outside the mosque if the mosques do not remove loudspeakers for Azaan.

Shiv Sena had also come down heavily on the MNS leader's remarks. Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut on Sunday said that the law of the land prevails in Maharashtra and the Home Minister will do everything as per the law.

Also Read | Karauli Violence: Councillor Matloom Ahmed Booked, Curfew Extended Till April 7.

"Raj Thackeray was talking about taking down the loudspeakers installed in mosques yesterday. First, see in which all BJP ruled states Azaan has been stopped, loudspeakers removed from mosques...This is Maharashtra, where law of the land is followed," Raut had told media persons in Mumbai on Sunday. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)