CM Yogi Adityanath on namaz on roads: 'We'll get you to agree with love, if you don't...'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reportedly observed that the faithful should be encouraged to follow their religious practices without disturbing public life, and the government has the responsibility to ensure discipline in public spaces.

His comments were on the subject of offering public namaz on roads, which recently caused a political row in West Bengal. CM Adityanath said people cannot be permitted to pray on roads as it will affect traffic movement. Large prayer gatherings can cause inconvenience to commuters and even those on foot, and thus need to be held at places of worship.

If there are a large number of believers, they should take turns to offer prayers, and the organisers need to ensure public order and normalcy are not affected. The roads of Uttar Pradesh are not allowed to be used for namaz prayers, the CM reportedly claimed on Monday.

“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?” The Times of India quoted the BJP leader as saying.

"If there is no space at home, then manage the numbers accordingly. Unnecessary crowding should not be increased... 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," Yogi reportedly added.

On Sunday, Kolkata’s Park Circus reportedly witnessed a police lathi-charge after a mob pelted stones at them during a protest against demolitions and restrictions on public prayers.

According to reports, the area, dominated by minority communities, was on the verge of widespread protests after the government demolished several alleged illegal constructions. 

During Sunday's protest against restrictions on prayers on public roads and the said demolitions, traffic in the region took a hit, forcing the police to intervene. The protestors reportedly maintain that the newly-elected BJP government was purposefully taking steps to curtail the rights of minority communities.