Asaduddin Owaisi Challenges UP CM Yogi Adityanath Over Kanwar Yatra Order

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 18: AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for an order requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners. Owaisi challenged Adityanath to issue a written order if he has the courage, calling the directive a violation of constitutional rights.

Owaisi stated, “We condemn it because it is a violation of Article 17 of the Constitution, which talks about untouchability. So the Uttar Pradesh government is promoting untouchability. This kind of order that people should express their religion is a violation of Article 21 (Right to life) and also Article 19 (Right to livelihood).”

He added that Muslim employees have been removed from eateries in Muzaffarnagar since the order was given. Owaisi likened the situation to Nazi Germany, questioning if the government would work for only one community.

Bollywood screenwriter Javed Akhtar also reacted, comparing the order to practices in Nazi Germany. He posted on X, “Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops restaurants n even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly. Why? In Nazi Germany, they used to make only a mark on particular shops and houses.”

The UP Police clarified that the order is voluntary and aims to prevent confusion among devotees and maintain law and order. They stated, “During the Shravan Kanwar Yatra, a large number of Kanwariyas from neighbouring states, via Western Uttar Pradesh, collect water from Haridwar and pass through Muzaffarnagar district. During the holy month of Shravan, many people, especially Kanwariyas, abstain from certain food items in their diet.”

The police added that the order is intended to facilitate devotees and prevent law and order issues, not to create religious discrimination.