BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on Tuesday wrote to multiple civic and police authorities in Mumbai, urging immediate action to stop the offering of Namaz on public roads and other open spaces across the city. Somaiya argued that such gatherings disrupt traffic and inconvenience commuters and residents — a demand that has triggered a sharp political counter from the Congress, which is calling for uniform enforcement across all religious communities.

What Somaiya's Letter Said

Somaiya addressed his communication to the Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai, the Mumbai Police Commissioner, the Joint Commissioner of Traffic Police, and the District Collectors of Mumbai City and its suburban districts. The letter reportedly cited instances where Namaz is allegedly offered outside railway stations and on busy thoroughfares in certain parts of the city.

According to Somaiya, large congregations — particularly during Friday afternoon prayers — frequently affect traffic flow and create difficulties for commuters. He maintained that public roads, key intersections, and high-footfall zones must not be used for religious gatherings, as such activities interfere with traffic management and civic convenience.

The BJP leader also invoked various court observations and guidelines on the use of public spaces, parks, and open grounds, arguing these should be strictly enforced to preserve public order and ensure smooth functioning of urban infrastructure.

Administration Asked to Issue Clear Guidelines

Somaiya urged the administration to frame clear directives and take immediate preventive steps. He stressed that in a densely populated metropolis like Mumbai, maintaining law and order, ensuring unobstructed traffic movement, and protecting civic amenities must remain non-negotiable priorities.

Copies of the letter were also forwarded to the Mumbai City and suburban district collectors, as well as the Joint Commissioner of Traffic Police, to facilitate coordinated administrative action.

Congress Pushes Back, Demands Uniform Standards

Congress leader Husain Dalwai acknowledged that overcrowding at mosques sometimes forces worshippers to offer prayers outside when interior space is insufficient. He said he has personally advised members of the Muslim community to hold multiple congregations inside mosques rather than spilling onto public roads.

However, Dalwai questioned whether the same standards were being applied to other communities. 'I would like to ask Kirit Ji which religion does not use public roads for its activities. Ganesh festival processions take place on roads, Navratri celebrations are held in public spaces, weddings often occupy roads, and funeral processions also pass through public streets,' he said.

Dalwai argued that any restrictions on one community must be implemented uniformly across all religious groups. He also criticised Somaiya over past actions related to housing, claiming many economically weaker families continue to face an acute shortage of adequate shelter.

Broader Context: Public Space and Religious Activity

The letter arrives amid a sustained national debate over the use of public spaces for religious and cultural activities by different communities. This is not the first time the issue has surfaced in Mumbai — similar complaints about road-blocking religious events, cutting across faiths, have been raised periodically by residents, courts, and civic bodies. Notably, courts across India have issued repeated advisories against the use of public roads for any religious activity, though enforcement has remained inconsistent.

With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pushing for stricter enforcement and the Congress insisting on equal application of any rules, the issue is set to remain a flashpoint in Mumbai's civic and political discourse in the weeks ahead.