BJP Leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Others Discuss New ID Card Rules for Kanwar Yatra Shops
In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a new rule by the state government requires all shops along the Kanwar Yatra route to display ID cards. This has sparked a debate between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition.
Naqvi’s Call for Harmony
BJP Leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi emphasized the importance of communal harmony. He stated, “Confusion had erupted on the basis of a limited administrative guideline. I am happy that the State Government has clarified all communal confusion. As far as devotion, respect, and safety of Kanwar Yatra are concerned, nobody has any objection to it. Nobody should make any attempts to create communal confusion on matters like this. This is good neither for a country nor a religion or humankind.”
Naqvi also shared his personal experiences with the Kanwar Yatra, advising people to respect faith and avoid politics over the issue.
Government’s Clarification
Kapil Dev Aggarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) in Uttar Pradesh, clarified that the rule is not about banning all food carts. He explained that shops named after Hindu deities but selling non-vegetarian food should be identified and prohibited. He stressed that the issue is about social harmony, not a Hindu-Muslim matter.
Opposition’s Criticism
Ajay Rai, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief, criticized the guidelines as impractical and divisive. He called for the immediate cancellation of the rule and action against the officials who imposed it.
Support from Religious Leaders
Acharya Satendra Das, chief priest of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, supported the order. He highlighted concerns about Muslim-run shops operating under Hindu names and cleanliness issues. He stated that the new order would help identify whether shops are Hindu or Muslim-owned, reducing perceived discrimination.
Further Reactions
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the move, comparing it to apartheid and Nazi-era practices. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav called the order a “social crime” and urged court intervention.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra, which begins on July 22, and to maintain peace and security during the event.
Doubts Revealed
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi -: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi is a senior leader of the BJP and has held various important positions in the government.
ID Card Rules -: ID Card Rules refer to the new guidelines that require shop owners to display their identification cards during the Kanwar Yatra.
Kanwar Yatra -: Kanwar Yatra is a religious pilgrimage where devotees of Lord Shiva carry holy water from the Ganges River to their local Shiva temples.
Kapil Dev Aggarwal -: Kapil Dev Aggarwal is a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government who explained the purpose of the new ID card rules.
Opposition leaders -: Opposition leaders are politicians from parties that are not in power. They often criticize the government’s decisions.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath -: Yogi Adityanath is the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, responsible for the administration of the state.
Communal harmony -: Communal harmony means people of different religions living together peacefully and respecting each other’s beliefs.
