UP CM Yogi Adityanath: No Namaz on Public Roads

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that offering namaz on public roads should not be permitted, stressing that such practices can disrupt traffic and inconvenience the general public. He added that roads are meant for movement and daily commuting, and should not be used for gatherings that block public space. The chief minister suggested that religious practices involving large gatherings should be managed in an organised manner, including conducting them in shifts or using designated places of worship, so that public order and normal life are not affected. “I am often asked whether, in Uttar Pradesh, people really do not offer namaz on the roads. I say clearly that it does not happen at all—go and see for yourself. Roads are meant for movement. Can anyone come and create a spectacle at a crossroads and block traffic? What right does anyone have to disrupt public movement?” he said. Addressing concerns about crowd management, the chief minister added that religious gatherings should not cause inconvenience to others. “Some people told me, ‘How will it work, our numbers are large?’ We replied that it can be done in shifts. If there is no space at home, then manage the numbers accordingly. Unnecessary crowding should not be increased,” he said. "You have to offer namaz, you can read it during your shift. We'll get you to agree with love, if you don't agree, we'll adopt another method, " Yogi added. He further remarked that people should be encouraged to follow their religious practices without disturbing public order, adding that the administration would ensure discipline in public spaces. The chief minister also said that efforts would be made to maintain order through persuasion and dialogue.