Yogi Vs Akhilesh: Responding to Yogi's statement, Akhilesh asks—

The Uttar Pradesh 2026 event is being organized at The Centrum hotel in the state capital. Today marks the second day of this program, in which Samajwadi Party Chief and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav participated. During the event, he responded to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's warning against offering Namaz (prayers) on public roads. Akhilesh remarked, "If space is limited—and even if someone is offering Namaz on the road—what exactly is the problem?"

Akhilesh stated: "If space is limited, then what is the problem?"

On Tuesday, responding to CM Yogi's statement, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "There are established rules regarding what should or should not take place on public roads. This issue should not be used for political point-scoring. If there is any party that is truly 'irreligious' (adharmic), it is the BJP. Just yesterday, members of our Lawyers' Association stepped out to stage a protest; they were subjected to a lathi-charge (baton-charge) and beaten—despite holding copies of the Ramcharitmanas in their hands. If they truly claim to be Sanatanis (followers of the Sanatan Dharma), then they ought to uphold the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). We, for our part, embrace everyone. They couldn't even manage to build 'Smart Cities'; they eventually had to withdraw even the 'Smart Meters' they had installed. So, what exactly is one supposed to say about this government?"

Akhilesh Yadav further added, "As far as the issue of roads is concerned, we advocate for wider roads. They are raising this specific issue merely to divert the public discourse—to ensure that the debate shifts away from substantive issues and onto other, unrelated topics. Who exactly is offering Namaz on the roads? And even if someone is doing so—if space is indeed limited—what is the actual problem? They want to entangle us in these distractions, but we, too, have learned a thing or two from the BJP. We will not get bogged down in their rhetoric. Instead, our primary question will be: 'Tell us—what has become of the NEET examination?' We will demand answers regarding the 69,000 reservation seats that were unjustly usurped."

What had Yogi said?

On Monday—the inaugural day of the while speaking on the theme "Uttar Pradesh: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had stated: "People today often ask, 'Is it true that Namaz is no longer offered on the roads in Uttar Pradesh?' Our unequivocal answer is: 'Absolutely not.' Go and see for yourselves." "Are roads meant for commuting, or is just anyone free to come to an intersection and turn it into a spectacle? What right does anyone have to block a road and disrupt traffic? Let them go to their designated premises and conduct their activities there. People asked, 'How is that possible? Our numbers are too large.' We replied, 'Do it in shifts.' If there isn't enough space in your homes to accommodate everyone, then exercise control over your numbers. If you lack the capacity to support a large group, why keep increasing your numbers?"

The Chief Minister stated, "If you wish to coexist within this system, remember that you must begin by adhering to the rules and laws. The rule of law shall prevail; we will enforce the law equally for everyone. If offering Namaz is essential, then perform it in shifts. We will not stop you, but do not do so on the road... Roads are meant for movement. They are for the common citizen—for the working public, for employees. We will not allow such movement to be obstructed. Government regulations are universal; they apply equally to everyone. We have made it clear that we will not tolerate anarchy. If you comply peacefully, that is well and good; if not, we will resort to other methods. Our primary objective is to establish a dialogue. If you are willing to cooperate through dialogue, we will proceed that way; otherwise, be prepared to face the consequences of a confrontation. In Bareilly, some individuals attempted to test our resolve—and they have now witnessed the extent of our power."