Overview
- Speaking in Lucknow on Monday, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said prayers cannot take place on roads, urged shift-based arrangements, and warned that officials would use “other methods” if persuasion fails.
- He said the rule of law applies to all communities and cited earlier action in Bareilly as proof the administration will prevent road blockages during congregational prayers.
- AIMIM spokesperson Asim Waqar asked why roads close for puja or aarti if namaz is barred, while Samajwadi Party leaders framed the remarks as political messaging that undercuts constitutional religious freedom.
- An Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board chairman backed the chief minister’s position, arguing roads must stay clear for traffic and emergency vehicles and that large groups can pray in shifts.
- The warning lands days before Eid-ul-Adha on May 28, when Eid crowds often overflow mosque grounds onto nearby roads, putting pressure on officials and worshippers to use designated venues or staggered timings.