Yogi Adityanath Defends Ban on Roadside Namaz, Calls for Discipline in Religious Observances
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has firmly supported the state administration’s recent decision to prohibit namaz on public roads, emphasizing that such measures are essential for maintaining order, discipline, and the smooth flow of public movement. He argued that religious activities, regardless of faith, should not disrupt public spaces and urged people to learn discipline from Hindu devotees who participated in the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj without causing any disorder.
Maha Kumbh as an Example of Religious Discipline
In an exclusive interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), the Chief Minister cited the Maha Kumbh Mela, which witnessed a staggering 66 crore devotees visiting Prayagraj throughout the festival. He pointed out that despite the massive crowd, there were no reports of violence, arson, molestation, looting, or vandalism, attributing it to the discipline and devotion of the pilgrims.
“Roads are meant for walking, not for religious gatherings. Those questioning this decision should take inspiration from the Hindu devotees at the Maha Kumbh. Sixty-six crore people arrived in Prayagraj, and yet there were no cases of looting, arson, molestation, or property destruction. This is called religious discipline. They came with reverence, took part in the ‘Mahasnan’ (ritual bath), and then departed peacefully. No disruption was caused to public life, and this is the kind of discipline that everyone should follow,” Adityanath remarked.
The Chief Minister further asserted that celebrations and religious festivals should never become a means of causing inconvenience or chaos in public spaces. He emphasized that if people expect facilities and privileges from the administration for their events, they must also adhere to the discipline required to maintain law and order.
Reactions and Controversy: Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary Criticizes Police Action
The state administration’s decision sparked a debate across political circles and social media. While many supported the move as an effort to maintain order and prevent disruptions, others criticized it as excessive and unnecessary.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary took to social media to express his disapproval of the police’s actions. In a cryptic tweet, he wrote:
“Policing towards Orwellian 1984!”
His comment was widely interpreted as a reference to George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, which describes a society under constant surveillance and authoritarian rule. The remark suggested that the police measures were oppressive and indicative of excessive state control over personal freedoms.
Clarifying his stance later, Chaudhary elaborated that while he did not oppose the idea of ensuring that public spaces remain clear, he believed that the approach taken by the police was too harsh. He stated:
“I believe that the police should not threaten to confiscate passports or revoke driving licenses as a form of enforcement. The administration has every right to ensure that roads remain clear and that public movement is not disrupted. However, instead of resorting to rigid punitive actions, they should engage in a sensitive dialogue with the community to encourage compliance voluntarily.”
His remarks highlighted concerns over whether law enforcement was using excessive force in implementing the policy and whether a more conciliatory approach could have been adopted.
The Broader Implications: Religious Gatherings and Public Order
The debate over offering namaz in public spaces is not new and has been a contentious issue across India. Several states have, at different times, implemented temporary bans or restrictions on mass religious gatherings in public spaces, citing traffic congestion, security concerns, and disruptions to daily life.
Critics of such bans often argue that singling out specific religious practices for regulation creates a perception of discrimination, while supporters believe that all communities should adhere to common civic guidelines to ensure public harmony.
The latest move by the Uttar Pradesh government comes in the wake of similar actions in other states, where authorities have sought to streamline public gatherings, ensure law and order, and prevent potential communal tensions.
A Policy Balancing Act Between Law, Order, and Religious Freedoms
As the debate continues, the Uttar Pradesh administration remains firm in its stance that public spaces should not be blocked for religious activities. CM Yogi Adityanath’s comparison of the Maha Kumbh with other religious gatherings reinforces his call for uniformity in discipline and public conduct across all faiths.
While supporters of the decision believe it is a necessary step to uphold public order, critics warn against excessive policing that could potentially alienate communities. The challenge for authorities will be to strike a balance between enforcing public order and ensuring religious freedoms are respected without disproportionate restrictions on any particular community.
With surveillance measures now in place, social media monitoring, and stringent legal warnings, it remains to be seen how such policies will be enforced in the future and whether similar measures will be applied to all religious gatherings to avoid accusations of bias or selective implementation.
