Expelled BJP MLA Urges Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah To Ban Namaz On Roads, Govt Property Without Permission

Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal on Friday called on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ban the practice of offering namaz on roads, footpaths, and government property without prior approval.

His appeal follows the Karnataka Cabinet’s recent move to draft regulations, reportedly intended to curb RSS activities such as road marches and events in public and government-owned spaces.

In a letter addressed to Siddaramaiah, Yatnal who has been expelled from the BJP stated that the government's latest decision limits private organizations and non-government entities from using public spaces, government properties, and educational institutions for their own purposes.

He further emphasized that the same standards of neutrality and fairness should be applied equally to all segments of society.

"We have seen people offering namaz on public roads and government premises without obtaining due permission from the competent authorities," the letter read.

"Such activities cause obstruction to vehicular and pedestrian movement, inconvenience the public, and endanger pedestrians, thereby violating the citizens' fundamental rights to free movement and safety guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India," it further said.

He argued that there should not be any special provision to offer namaz in government offices or other government-aided institutions.

“Permitting such practices while restricting other organisational activities on public property amounts to selective enforcement and undermines the credibility of governance,” Yatnal said.

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He requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to issue appropriate directions to all deputy commissioners and police commissioners across the state to ensure that namaz is not conducted on roads, footpaths, or government premises without prior official sanction.

Yatnal also suggested framing a clear standard operating procedure (SOP) or circular under the Karnataka Police Act and relevant traffic regulations to penalise any unauthorised use of public spaces for religious purposes.

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“Uniform enforcement of these measures will reinforce the State's commitment to secularism, equality before law, and public order.

Therefore, in order to promote order and discipline, avoid traffic disruption, and ensure religious inclusivity, I urge you to immediately ban offering namaz in public places,” the letter added.

( With PTI Inputs )