Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued a strong warning against offering namaz on roads, emphasizing that roads are meant for traffic and not for religious activities. Speaking at a public event, he said, 'Roads are for movement of traffic. We will not allow namaz on them. No one has the right to stop movement of traffic or organise religious programs on roads.'
Call for Population Control
The chief minister also addressed the issue of population growth, urging the Muslim community to 'control' their population. He linked the two issues, suggesting that unchecked population growth leads to encroachment on public spaces. 'When population grows beyond control, it creates pressure on infrastructure and leads to such problems,' he added.
Reactions and Context
Adityanath's remarks have sparked debate, with opposition parties accusing him of targeting a specific community. However, the chief minister maintained that his statements were about law and order, not discrimination. 'This is not about any religion. It is about ensuring that public spaces are used for their intended purpose,' he clarified.
The Uttar Pradesh government has previously taken action against unauthorized religious gatherings on roads, citing traffic disruptions and safety concerns. This latest statement reinforces the administration's stance on maintaining order in public spaces.
