'Offer Namaz in shifts, not on roads': Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath issues Warning ahead of Eid-al-Adha

Lucknow: Adopting a strict stance regarding the offering of 'Namaz' (prayers) on public roads, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has declared that such practices will absolutely not be permitted in the state. He asserted that roads are meant for the movement of ordinary citizens, the sick, and traders—not for offering prayers. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister stated that the rule of law prevails in Uttar Pradesh and applies equally to everyone; therefore, if the number of worshippers is large, people should offer their prayers in shifts or at their designated religious sites.

What did Yogi Adityanath say?

Issuing a clear warning, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath affirmed that the government would not allow anarchy to spread on the roads. He warned that if people do not comply through dialogue and mutual understanding, strict legal action will be taken against them. Citing the situation in Bareilly as an example, he made it clear that those who refuse to comply will face consequences similar to those witnessed there. He noted that in Bareilly, when individuals attempted to take the law into their own hands, they ultimately faced the repercussions.

CM Yogi remarked, "People often ask me, 'Is it true that *Namaz* is genuinely not offered on the roads in your state of UP?' I tell them, 'Absolutely not. Go and see for yourselves.' Roads are meant for transit; they are not places where just anyone can come to a crossroads and create a spectacle. What right does anyone have to block a road? By what authority do they obstruct the flow of traffic? They should go to their designated religious sites and offer their prayers there." He continued, "Those individuals argued with me, asking, 'How is that possible? Our numbers are too large.' I replied, 'Then offer your prayers in shifts. If you lack the space to accommodate everyone in your homes, then you must exercise control over your numbers. If you lack the capacity to sustain a large population, why are you needlessly continuing to increase your numbers? If you wish to coexist within the established system, you must strictly adhere to the prevailing laws and regulations.'"

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated that the rule of law would be enforced equally and without exception for everyone. He stated, "If offering 'Namaz' is a religious imperative for you, then by all means, offer it—but do so in shifts. We will not hinder your right to pray, but you must not do so on the public roads. Roads are meant for movement and transit. Roads exist for the common man, for the sick, for laborers, for employees, for ordinary citizens, and for traders. We will not allow the roads to be obstructed. The government's regulations apply universally to everyone."

What About Namaz on Roads?

He has made it clear that the government will strictly not permit the offering of Namaz on public roads. Anarchy will not be allowed to prevail on the streets. CM Yogi stated that if people cooperate peacefully, it is well and good; otherwise, alternative measures will be adopted. "Our duty is to foster dialogue. If you heed through dialogue, fine; if not, then you may experience the consequences of confrontation. In Bareilly, some individuals attempted to test the waters—and they witnessed the extent of our strength." CM Yogi further added that the government aims to integrate the entire administrative framework with the established system.