Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has reiterated that roads are not meant for prayers but for vehicular movement. In an interview with PTI on Tuesday, he emphasized that religious gatherings should not obstruct public spaces. “The road is for transportation, not for offering prayers,” said Adityanath.
The BJP hardliner further suggested that Muslims should learn religious discipline from Hindus, citing the Kumbh Mela, where millions gathered without any incidents of crime, vandalism, or public disturbances.
Adityanath also pointed out that while Muslims make up 20% of Uttar Pradesh’s population, they constitute 35-40% of beneficiaries of government welfare schemes.
Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Meerut police issued a stern directive prohibiting prayers on roads. Authorities warned that violators could face strict legal action, including the revocation of passports and driving licenses.
Meerut City Superintendent of Police Ayush Vikram Singh stated that Eid prayers must be performed only in mosques or designated Eidgahs. Any attempt to offer prayers on the streets would result in legal consequences, he added.
LND/NE
