Controversy Over Nameplates on Kanwar Yatra Route: Political Leaders React
New Delhi, India – The Uttar Pradesh government has directed food shops on the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners’ names, sparking a heated debate among political leaders.
Opposition Criticism
All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the move, calling it a reflection of hatred towards Muslims in India. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal questioned if this directive aligns with the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat likened the order to practices in Nazi Germany, condemning it as unconstitutional. Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut accused the ruling party of trying to divide the country.
Support for the Directive
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Golu Shukla supported the directive, emphasizing its role in facilitating the Kanwar Yatra. West Bengal BJP Chief Sukanta Majumdar noted that similar notifications were issued during previous governments, arguing that the opposition is misleading people.
Mixed Reactions
Actor Sonu Sood suggested that ‘humanity’ should be the only nameplate displayed, a sentiment echoed by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut. People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP of violating constitutional rights. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged the court to take notice of the matter.
Official Statements
Muzaffarnagar Police clarified that the intention behind the order is to facilitate devotees, not to create religious discrimination. Haridwar District Magistrate Dhiraj Singh Garbyal stated that the move aims to ensure public convenience. Union Minister Giriraj Singh emphasized that state government rules must be obeyed.
Conclusion
The directive has sparked a wide range of reactions, highlighting the ongoing debate over religious and social issues in India.
Doubts Revealed
Kanwar Yatra -: Kanwar Yatra is a religious pilgrimage in India where devotees of Lord Shiva, called Kanwariyas, carry holy water from the Ganges River to their local Shiva temples.
Uttar Pradesh -: Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India. It is one of the most populous states in the country and has many important cultural and religious sites.
directive -: A directive is an official order or instruction given by an authority, like the government.
controversy -: A controversy is a public disagreement or debate, often involving strong opinions and emotions.
discriminatory -: Discriminatory means treating people unfairly or differently because of their race, religion, gender, or other characteristics.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India.
MLA -: MLA stands for Member of Legislative Assembly, which is a representative elected by the people to the legislative assembly of a state in India.
Asaduddin Owaisi -: Asaduddin Owaisi is an Indian politician and the president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party.
Kapil Sibal -: Kapil Sibal is an Indian politician and lawyer, known for his work with the Indian National Congress party.
Brinda Karat -: Brinda Karat is an Indian politician associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Sukanta Majumdar -: Sukanta Majumdar is a politician and the current chief of the BJP in West Bengal, a state in eastern India.
