CM Adityanath says namaz can't be offered on roads, suggests shift-based arrangement
Yogi Adityanath says prayers must not disrupt public movement, proposes shift-based arrangements if crowd management becomes an issue
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday ( May 18) said that namaz must be offered in a regulated way and not by blocking roads. The Chief Minister further stated that if required, namaz can be performed in shifts, warning that the government will first seek compliance through persuasion and if that does not work, then other methods would be applied to ensure that public order is maintained.
Warns of ‘another method’
"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,” stated Adityanath in a post on X.
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The Chief Minister also shared a video of his speech at a public gathering in Lucknow, where he said that he was often asked whether namaz is always offered on roads in Uttar Pradesh. Elaborating further, Adityanath said that the perception was not correct, adding that roads were for movement.
"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 as quoted by ANI.
Shift-based arrangement
"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 added.
The Chief Minister said that the rule of law applies equally to all citizens and that public spaces cannot be misused.
Law applies equally to everyone
"The rule of the government is the rule of the law. It applies equally to everyone. Namaz is necessary--you can read it during your shift. We will not stop it, but not on the road," he said.
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Adityanath has made similar remarks in the past, including during the 2026 assembly election campaign in West Bengal. Speaking at a rally in Hooghly, he had targeted then West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress, accusing the state government of allowing "namaz on streets" while claiming that "before Hindu festivals, curfews are imposed."
He has also repeatedly maintained that public roads, intersections and civic infrastructure cannot be used in a manner that disrupts traffic, daily movement or creates inconvenience for the general public.