Yogi Adityanath on Monday delivered a strong message against offering namaz on roads and public intersections, saying his government would not allow traffic movement to be disrupted in the name of religious gatherings.
Addressing an event in Lucknow, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said roads are meant for commuters, emergency services, traders and daily public use, and cannot be blocked for congregational prayers.
“You have to offer namaz, you can read it during your shift. We will convince you with love, and if that does not work, another method will be adopted,” Adityanath said while speaking at the programme. He later shared a video of the speech on social media platform X.
The Chief Minister asserted that public order and smooth traffic movement remain a priority for his administration and stressed that no one has the right to occupy roads or create disruptions.
“I am often asked whether people in Uttar Pradesh still offer namaz on roads. I clearly say this does not happen now. Roads are meant for movement. Can anyone come and create a spectacle at a crossroads and stop public movement?” he asked.
Adityanath also said his government does not oppose religious practices but objected to the use of public roads for prayers.
“We will not stop namaz, but it should not happen on roads,” he stated.
The remarks have once again triggered political debate over the use of public spaces for religious activities in the state.
The BJP leader has repeatedly raised the issue in the past, including during election campaigns, where he accused earlier governments of allowing roads to be blocked for prayers while allegedly imposing restrictions during Hindu festivals.
Reacting sharply to the Chief Minister’s comments, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen spokesperson Asim Waqar accused the Uttar Pradesh government of adopting selective standards.
“Yogi ji is saying roads are for movement and not for namaz. If namaz cannot happen on roads, then why are roads closed for puja and aarti? Is this the rule of law?” Waqar questioned.
