‘This Is Delhi, Namaz Will Be Offered on Streets If Needed’: AIMIM’s Shoaib Jamai

As the holy month of Ramadan continues, a heated debate over offering Namaz on streets has intensified. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has now further flared up the row, with its Delhi president, Shoaib Jamai, now putting out a controversial statement.

In a video on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Jamai slammed BJP leaders for their remarks against Eid Namaz being offered in public spaces. He stated, “Some outspoken BJP leaders are making unnecessary comments about Eid prayers in Delhi. They must understand that this is not Sambhal or Meerut — this is Delhi; Delhi is for everyone.”

“If space in mosques is insufficient, Namaz will be held on the streets, on Eidgah grounds, and even on rooftops. Why shouldn’t it be? If roads can be blocked for religious feasts, processions, and the Kanwar Yatra for several days, then why can’t arrangements be made for Eid prayers, which last just 10-15 minutes,” he asked.

Watch: AIMIM Delhi President Shoaib Jamai on Namaz being prohibited on roads and rooftops says, “…If space in mosques is insufficient, Namaz will be held on the streets, on Eidgah grounds, and even on rooftops. Why shouldn’t it be? If roads can be blocked for religious feasts,… pic.twitter.com/5v7AQCd65I

— IANS (@ians_india) March 28, 2025

Jamai argued that if major roads can remain blocked for several days for Hindu festivals, Muslims should be able to read Namaz for 10-15 minutes if required. “Roads are blocked for bhandaras, why can’t Muslims be granted some concession? The police and administration should ensure that Freedom of Religion is protected. The country should run by the constitution,” he said.

Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan stated, “Namaz takes only 10 minutes. The UP government is spreading hatred. Eid prayers have always taken place in Eidgahs, and due to large crowds, sometimes even outside. There should be no objections to this.”

Why The Controversy Over Namaz?

The controversy erupted after several BJP leaders opposed Namaz on public roads, citing traffic congestion and disruptions to daily commuters. They insisted that religious gatherings should not take place in public spaces. 

Earlier, Meerut Police issued an order banning unauthorised roadside prayers before Eid-ul-Fitr. The police warned that violators may face legal consequences such as passport cancellations and license revocations.

Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vandana Mishra, said that people will not be allowed to offer namaz on the street and use loudspeakers.

Bihar Minister Neeraj Kumar Bablu also said if no space was available, prayers should be offered in the graveyard. “No prayer should be offered on the roads. Roads are for travelling only,” he said.