“Namaz should not be offered on roads”: Yogi Adityanath warns of strict action against public prayers blocking traffic in UP

Yogi government to introduce Dream Labs in 600 government schools across all 75 districts of UP
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath (Image via PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, 18th May, strongly warned against offering namaz on roads and public crossings, saying his government would not allow traffic movement to be disrupted in the name of religious gatherings.

Speaking at the Amar Ujala Samvad programme in Lucknow, the Chief Minister said roads are meant for the public and cannot be blocked for prayers or any kind of gathering. He added that the government would first try to convince people peacefully, but stricter action could follow if rules were ignored.

“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. He also shared a video of his speech on X.

‘Roads are for movement, not gatherings’

The Chief Minister said public roads are used by workers, traders, patients and emergency services, and blocking them creates problems for ordinary people. According to him, no one has the right to stop public movement by gathering on roads or intersections.

“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 on a crossroads and block traffic? What right does anyone have to disrupt public movement?” he said.

Adityanath also stressed that the rule of law is the same for everyone and public spaces cannot be misused. “We will not stop namaz, but it should not happen on roads,” he added.

This is not the first time the BJP leader has spoken against offering namaz in public places. During the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, he had criticised the then All India Trinamool Congress government led by Mamata Banerjee, alleging that namaz was allowed on roads while restrictions were imposed before Hindu festivals.

Targets previous governments over law and development

During the same event, Adityanath also attacked previous governments in Uttar Pradesh over law and order and industrial development. He said that earlier governments were known for illegal weapons and bombs, but his administration had changed the situation completely.

“Inside UP, the production of previous governments was country-made pistols and bombs. We got it shut down, now BrahMos missiles are being made here,” he said.

The Chief Minister also spoke about women’s safety and infrastructure in the state. “Now, no one can harass a daughter walking on the road. She knows that just as Ravana and Duryodhana met their doom, the same fate is certain for him too,” he said.

Highlighting development in the state, Adityanath added, “If you had to select the top two states in the country for infrastructure, then UP would be one of them.”

Written by OpIndia Staff
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