"Pyaar se maanenge thik hai, nahi maanenge toh dusra tareeka apnayenge": CM Yogi says Namaz can be offered in Shifts, not on Road

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said namaz can be offered in shifts if needed, but public roads cannot be used in a manner that disrupts traffic and movement.

Addressing a public gathering in Lucknow, the Chief Minister said the administration would ensure compliance with public order norms through persuasion and, if necessary, stricter measures.

“You have to offer namaz, you can read it during your shift. We will convince you with love, and if that does not work, another method will be adopted,” CM Yogi said in a video shared on social media platform X.

The Chief Minister said roads are meant for public movement and should not be blocked for religious gatherings.

“I am often asked whether namaz is offered on roads in Uttar Pradesh. I clearly say it does not happen at all. Roads are meant for movement. Nobody has the right to block traffic or disrupt public convenience,” he said.

Responding to concerns about large gatherings, Yogi Adityanath said arrangements could be made in multiple shifts to accommodate people without causing inconvenience.

“Some people said their numbers are large. We told them it can be done in shifts. If there is less space, then manage the numbers accordingly. Unnecessary crowding should not be increased,” he added.

The Chief Minister further stated that the rule of law applies equally to everyone and public spaces cannot be misused.

“We will not stop namaz, but it should not happen on roads,” he said.

The remarks come amid continuing political debates over the use of public spaces for religious activities. CM Yogi had raised similar issues during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election campaign while criticising the Trinamool Congress government over law and order and religious gatherings.