Politics – Yogi Adityanath Reiterates Ban on Prayers Conducted on Roads
Politics – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has once again stressed that public roads should remain free for transportation and daily movement, stating that religious activities should be organised only at designated locations to avoid inconvenience to citizens.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said that offering namaz on roads should not be permitted, emphasizing that roads are built for commuters, emergency services, and regular traffic flow. Speaking at a public programme, he maintained that no activity should be allowed to obstruct movement or create disorder in public spaces.
He stated that religious gatherings involving large crowds must be conducted in a disciplined and systematic manner. According to the Chief Minister, authorities encourage organisers to use approved venues and make alternative arrangements when attendance exceeds available capacity.
Chief Minister Defends Administrative Approach
During his address, Yogi Adityanath said he is often questioned about whether roadside namaz still takes place in Uttar Pradesh. Responding to those concerns, he claimed that such incidents are no longer seen in the state and invited people to verify the situation independently.
He remarked that roads and intersections are part of essential public infrastructure and should remain accessible at all times. The Chief Minister added that blocking roads for any event, irrespective of its nature, affects ordinary citizens and creates unnecessary disruption for vehicles and pedestrians.
Yogi Adityanath also argued that maintaining civic discipline is the responsibility of every citizen. He said authorities are not opposed to religious practices but believe they should be carried out at appropriate venues without disturbing public order.
Suggestion of Shift-Based Arrangements
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister further explained that if the number of people attending prayers or gatherings becomes too large for a particular place, organisers should conduct the event in multiple shifts instead of expanding into public roads or intersections.
Recalling earlier discussions on the matter, he said some groups had expressed concerns about accommodating large crowds. According to him, the administration had suggested dividing gatherings into batches so that the process could continue smoothly without causing congestion.
He also noted that unnecessary overcrowding should be avoided in densely populated urban areas where traffic pressure is already high. The administration, he said, aims to ensure that both religious freedom and public convenience are balanced responsibly.
Focus on Law and Equal Rules
Yogi Adityanath underlined that the same rules apply equally to all citizens and communities. He maintained that public places cannot be used in ways that interfere with civic life or create problems for commuters.
The Chief Minister repeated that the government has no intention of stopping prayers or religious observances. However, he insisted that roads should not become venues for such activities because of their importance to transportation and emergency access.
His remarks were later shared through his official social media account, where he posted a message indicating that the government prefers persuasion and dialogue but is prepared to adopt stricter measures if required to maintain order.
Similar Statements Made Earlier
This is not the first time Yogi Adityanath has raised the issue of religious gatherings on roads. He had made comparable statements during earlier political campaigns, including during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign in 2026.
At that time, he criticised the handling of law and order and questioned the management of public gatherings in several states. The issue of roadside prayers and crowd management has remained a recurring topic in his public speeches, particularly when discussing governance, civic discipline, and urban administration.
The latest comments are expected to renew political debate around the use of public spaces for religious activities and the broader discussion on maintaining order in rapidly growing cities.