Bhopal. A controversy erupted in Madhya Pradesh after a woman officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) raised questions on noise pollution caused by loudspeakers installed in temples and a Hindu organization demanded an apology from the officer. The controversy started after the tweet of IAS officer Shailbala Martin, posted as Additional Secretary.
Attaching a post on ‘X’ about DJ music playing outside mosques and noise pollution, Martin had said, “Loudspeakers installed on temples spread noise pollution to many streets. Does anyone have any problem with these loudspeakers playing till midnight?” A religious group expressed displeasure over this post of Martin. Bhopal’s Sanskriti Bachao Manch advised Martin to avoid making such comments that could hurt the sentiments of Hindus.
Organization chief Chandrashekhar Tiwari said, “They (IAS officers) should not get involved in such controversies. Sanskriti Bachao Manch opposes his comments.” Tiwari said that mantras and aarti are performed in temples in a melodious voice and ‘we do not shout’. Tiwari asked the IAS officer to apologize to Hindus.
He said that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav should look into the intention behind the bureaucrat’s comment. Senior Congress leader KK Mishra, when asked about Martin’s post, said that soon after taking oath in December last year, Yadav had issued an order regarding controlling noise pollution. He said, “Shailbala is an official of the Martin government. The Chief Minister should respond to his opinion.” Ruling. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders refused to comment on the issue.