Yogi Adityanath Says Namaz Can Be Offered in Shifts, Not on Roads

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that namaz should be offered in a regulated manner and not on public roads, asserting that roads are meant for movement and public convenience cannot be disrupted.

In a post shared on X, the Chief Minister said, “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.”

Addressing a public gathering in Lucknow, Yogi Adityanath said he is frequently asked whether people offer namaz on roads in Uttar Pradesh.

“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.

The Chief Minister added that if the number of people is large, arrangements can be made in shifts.

“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 said.

Emphasising that the rule of law applies equally to all citizens, he said public infrastructure cannot be misused.

“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,” the Chief Minister added.

Yogi Adityanath has previously raised similar issues during political rallies, including during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election campaign, where he accused the Trinamool Congress government of permitting “namaz on streets.”(Agencies)