Yogi Adityanath Warns Against Namaz on Roads Ahead of Bakrid

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday issued a firm warning against offering namaz on roads, asserting that the state government would not permit any disruption to public movement as Bakrid approaches. Speaking at a media house event in the state capital, the Chief Minister made it clear that while prayers would not be stopped, they must remain confined to designated spaces.

Strict Stance on Public Spaces

Yogi Adityanath emphasised that roads are meant for traffic and common citizens, not for religious gatherings. “Namaz will not be allowed on roads. If people agree peacefully, fine; otherwise, stricter measures will be taken,” he said. He added that prayers should be offered at mosques, Eidgahs, or other designated places, and larger congregations could be managed in shifts if necessary. 

The remarks come nearly a week before Bakrid, when large numbers typically gather for Eid prayers. Officials have been directed to ensure compliance with existing orders that ban namaz on thoroughfares.

Law Applies Equally to All

The Chief Minister stressed that the law remains the same for everyone in Uttar Pradesh. “People ask me whether namaz happens on roads in UP? I say, absolutely not. Roads are for common people to walk on. No one has the right to come and disturb traffic,” he stated. 

He referred to a previous incident in Bareilly in September 2025, where tensions arose over a protest following namaz, leading to stone-pelting and subsequent police action. “People tried their hand in Bareilly, and they also saw the strength of the government,” Yogi Adityanath noted, underscoring that no one would be allowed to block roads or create disorder.

2022-23 Ban on Roadside Namaz

The Yogi government had already imposed a complete ban on offering namaz on roads in 2022-2023. Instructions were issued to restrict religious events, including those on Eid and Alvida Jumma, to proper religious venues. Local administrations have since been enforcing these guidelines to prevent traffic snarls and maintain public order.

Highlighting State’s Transformation

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister also spoke about the broader changes in Uttar Pradesh. He recalled how the state was once associated with violence and instability but is now manufacturing BrahMos missiles. “If the atmosphere is negative, ‘One District-One Mafia’ emerges. If it is positive, ‘One District-One Product’ is created,” he observed. 

Yogi Adityanath pointed to rising investments, increasing employment, and the state’s progress towards becoming a one trillion-dollar economy. He also highlighted improvements in women’s safety, noting that women now work night shifts and return home without fear. “No one can harass daughters now,” he said. The state has remained revenue surplus for six years and is no longer considered a BIMARU state, he added.

Balanced Development Across Districts

The government, according to the Chief Minister, is focusing on equitable growth across all 75 districts, leveraging agriculture, infrastructure, and the power of the youth. He reiterated that Uttar Pradesh no longer needs to depend on external support and has immense internal potential.

During recent election campaigns in West Bengal, Yogi Adityanath had criticised alleged appeasement politics there, contrasting it with the situation in Uttar Pradesh where roads are kept clear for traffic and festivals proceed peacefully without curfews or riots.

Public Order Before Festival

As preparations for Bakrid gain pace, the administration is expected to step up vigil to ensure prayers do not spill onto roads. Local police and district officials have been asked to coordinate with community leaders for smooth conduct of religious events within permitted limits. 

Authorities say the focus remains on maintaining law and order while respecting religious sentiments. The message from the top appears clear: religious freedom is protected, but public spaces cannot be allowed to turn into arenas of chaos.

The Chief Minister’s remarks are likely to set the tone for administrative preparedness in the coming days across the state.