Kolkata Namaz Row: Clash over Friday prayers on road in Raja Bazar; uproar ensues after police action

Kolkata: For the first time since the formation of the new government in West Bengal, a confrontation regarding 'Namaz'- (prayers) has come to light. A dispute erupted on Friday over the practice of offering prayers by blocking public roads. This led to an uproar, necessitating police intervention. According to reports, the worshippers claimed that they had been coming to offer prayers on the road for years; however, following a firm stance taken by the police, the worshippers vacated the road. This incident occurred in the Raja Bazar area of ​​Kolkata. This event in Kolkata has surfaced at a time when the state's new Chief Minister, Suvendu Adhikari, has already made it clear that offering prayers on the road will not be permitted.

Did BJP Government of West Bengal Impose Ban on Public Prayer?

Following the change of power in Bengal, the government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has imposed a ban on religious activities on public roads. The state government has declared that no religious programs are to be held on the streets. Furthermore, loudspeakers are not to be played at high volume at any temple or mosque. On Friday, when people gathered on the road in Raja Bazar to offer *Juma* prayers, they were forced to turn back following a firm stance taken by the police.

Was There Altercation Between Worshippers and Police?

When the police stopped people from offering prayers on the road, the worshippers protested against the move. A commotion ensued amidst the heavy police presence. The government has issued an order stating that religious activities cannot be conducted on public roads, regardless of the faith involved. On Friday, when the police intervened to stop the gathering, members of the Muslim community raised slogans in protest. Suvendu Adhikari had taken his oath of office in Bengal on May 9th; this marks the first incident of unrest regarding prayers to occur since that date.