BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has written to municipal and police authorities in Mumbai, raising concerns about the practice of offering Namaz on public roads. He emphasized that such religious activities disrupt traffic flow and inconvenience commuters and residents. Somaiya urged immediate intervention to prevent the use of public spaces for gatherings like Friday prayers, citing traffic management challenges.
In his letter to key officials, including the Municipal Commissioner and the Police Commissioner, Somaiya highlighted instances of Namaz being conducted outside railway stations and on busy roads in Mumbai. He stressed the importance of adhering to court guidelines on the use of public spaces to maintain order and ensure smooth civic operations. The BJP leader called for clear directives to stop religious activities on roads and intersections to prioritize public convenience.
Responding to Somaiya’s concerns, Congress leader Husain Dalwai acknowledged the issue of overcrowding at mosques leading to prayers spilling onto roads due to space constraints. Dalwai advocated for conducting multiple congregations inside mosques to address the problem. He questioned the application of standards across all communities, pointing out that various religious and cultural events also utilize public spaces. Dalwai called for uniform implementation of restrictions on public space usage without discrimination.
The debate over the utilization of public spaces for religious practices has sparked discussions on ensuring equal treatment for all communities. Both leaders have exchanged views on the need for balanced regulations to address the challenges posed by religious activities in densely populated urban areas.
