LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday defended his government's ban on offering namaz on roads, asserting that prayers should be conducted at designated places of worship. He suggested that if there is a space crunch, devotees can offer prayers "in shifts" rather than blocking public spaces.
Roads Meant for Commuters, Not Religious Gatherings
Speaking at an event organized by a news daily in Lucknow, Yogi emphasized that roads are meant for commuters, patients, and working citizens, not for religious gatherings. He reiterated that the "rule of law will prevail equally for everyone" in the state.
The Chief Minister stressed that the government must ensure free movement at all times in a democracy governed by rules and regulations. "People ask whether roadside prayers have stopped in UP. I tell them to come and see for themselves. It simply does not happen anymore," he said. "We are not stopping anyone from offering prayers, but roads cannot be occupied for it."
Targeting Previous Governments
Yogi targeted previous governments in Uttar Pradesh, accusing them of fostering lawlessness, caste politics, and appeasement. He alleged that exam-copying mafias and criminal syndicates flourished under their patronage, creating an "identity crisis" for the state.
"Today's Uttar Pradesh is free from riots and curfews," Yogi said, crediting decisive governance and law-and-order reforms for the state's transformation and economic growth.
Praise for Journalists and Warning on Fake News
Recalling the Emergency in 1975, Yogi Adityanath praised journalists who, he said, sacrificed to protect democracy. He also warned about the dangers of fake news and deepfakes, urging media organizations to report more sensitively and avoid sensationalism to prevent law-and-order crises.
