“Roads Are Not for Religious Gatherings”: UP CM Yogi Adityanath Warns Against Namaz on Streets Ahead of Bakrid

Yogi Adityanath on Monday issued a strong warning against what he described as “any form of anarchy” in public spaces, asserting that roads in Uttar Pradesh cannot be blocked for religious activities, including offering namaz.

The remarks, made ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations, are likely to trigger both political debate and wider discussion around the balance between religious practices and public order.

Addressing a public gathering during a programme in Lucknow, the Chief Minister said the government would not object to prayers being offered in shifts if space was limited, but made it clear that public roads could not be occupied for such purposes.

“Offer Namaz in Shifts, Not on Roads”

Speaking in a direct and emphatic tone, Yogi Adityanath said:
“Namaz padhni hai to shift mein padhiye, hum rokenge nahi. Lekin sadak par nahi.”

Translated into English, he said:
“If people want to offer namaz, they may do so in shifts. We will not stop them. But it cannot happen on roads.”

The Chief Minister stressed that roads are meant for commuters, workers, emergency movement and general public use, and therefore cannot be converted into spaces for religious gatherings.

According to him, blocking public roads in the name of religion creates inconvenience for ordinary citizens and disrupts public order.

“Public Spaces Cannot Be Occupied”

Yogi Adityanath reiterated that the state government would not tolerate disorder or obstruction in public areas under any circumstances.

He said:
“Roads are meant for movement. They belong to the public and cannot be blocked for religious activities.”

The Chief Minister argued that the rule should apply equally to everyone, regardless of religion or community.

According to him, maintaining discipline in public spaces is essential for ensuring law and order in a densely populated state like Uttar Pradesh.

Controversial Population Remark Draws Attention

During his address, the Chief Minister also made remarks linking space constraints to population growth.

Recalling conversations with people who allegedly told him that large numbers made it difficult to conduct prayers within designated spaces, he said:
“They told me their numbers are large. I told them to organise prayers in shifts.”

He then added:
“If there is no space even in your homes, then control your population. And if you do not have the capacity, then why are you continuously increasing the numbers?”

The comments are expected to generate political reactions, especially because debates around population control and religious demographics have remained highly sensitive subjects in Indian politics.

“Namaz on Roads Does Not Happen in UP”

The Chief Minister further claimed that offering namaz on roads is no longer permitted in Uttar Pradesh.

“People ask me whether namaz really happens on roads in Uttar Pradesh. I tell them clearly — it does not,” he said.

He asserted that the administration has ensured that public movement is not disrupted by religious gatherings on roads.

According to him, roads are meant for:

• Daily commuters
• Workers
• Students
• Office employees
• Emergency services

and the state government is committed to keeping them accessible at all times.

Reference to Bareilly Incident

Yogi Adityanath also referred to a recent incident linked to namaz arrangements in Bareilly.

Without going into detailed specifics, he suggested that some people had attempted to “test the system” and later realised the administration’s resolve.

The Chief Minister indicated that the government first prefers dialogue and persuasion, but warned that stricter measures could follow if rules are repeatedly violated.

“Dialogue First, Action Later”

While defending his government’s approach, Adityanath said the administration believes in resolving issues peacefully through communication.

“Pyar se manenge to thik baat hai, nahi manenge to dusra tarika apnayenge,” he said.

In English, the statement roughly translates to:
“If people agree peacefully, then that is fine. If not, other methods will have to be adopted.”

He added that the administration’s role is to maintain dialogue and social order, but also made it clear that confrontation with the state machinery would not be tolerated.

“Rule of Law Will Apply Equally”

The Chief Minister repeatedly emphasised the importance of following rules and laws uniformly.

“If you want to live within the system, then start following laws and regulations,” he said.

He stressed that the “rule of law” must prevail equally for everyone and that no group should expect exemptions when it comes to public order.

The statement aligns with the Uttar Pradesh government’s broader law-and-order messaging under Yogi Adityanath’s administration, which has consistently projected itself as taking a hardline stance against public disorder and illegal encroachments.

Political and Social Context

The timing of the remarks is significant as they come shortly before Eid al-Fitr, when large congregational prayers are held in many parts of the country.

In recent years, several state governments and local administrations across India have issued guidelines regulating:

• Public prayers
• Processions
• Loudspeakers
• Use of public spaces for religious events

Authorities often cite traffic management, law and order concerns and public convenience as reasons for imposing restrictions.

However, such issues frequently become politically charged, especially in states with strong communal and electoral undercurrents.

Supporters Back Firm Administrative Approach

Supporters of the Chief Minister argue that his comments reflect a governance-first approach aimed at ensuring smooth public movement and equal enforcement of rules.

They contend that roads and highways should remain free from all forms of obstruction, whether religious, political or social.

Many also point out that similar restrictions have at times been imposed on:

• Religious processions
• Political demonstrations
• Encroachments
• Public gatherings

in the interest of maintaining public order.

Critics May View Remarks as Polarising

At the same time, critics are likely to view some of the remarks — particularly those related to population growth — as politically provocative and socially divisive.

Opposition parties and minority organisations have previously accused the BJP leadership of selectively targeting Muslim religious practices while framing such issues through a law-and-order narrative.

The comments may therefore trigger fresh political debate both within Uttar Pradesh and nationally.

Administration Expected to Tighten Monitoring Ahead of Bakrid

Following the Chief Minister’s remarks, district administrations across Uttar Pradesh are expected to increase monitoring and coordination ahead of Bakrid prayers.

Officials may issue:

• Crowd management guidelines
• Traffic advisories
• Designated prayer area instructions
• Security arrangements

to ensure peaceful observance of the festival while preventing public disruption.

Police and administrative authorities are also likely to remain on alert in sensitive districts to avoid communal tension or law-and-order complications.

Broader Message From the Government

The larger message emerging from Yogi Adityanath’s speech appears to be the state government’s insistence that public discipline and administrative control will take precedence over any activity perceived as disrupting civic order.

Whether viewed as a governance issue or a politically charged statement, the remarks have once again placed Uttar Pradesh at the centre of a national conversation around religion, public spaces, law enforcement and constitutional freedoms.