UP CM Yogi Adityanath’s New Rules for Kanwar Yatra Draw Criticism
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India] July 19: The Uttar Pradesh State Government has announced new measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra starting on July 22. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has mandated that food and beverage shops along the Kanwar routes display the name and identity of the operator/owner to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrims’ faith. Additionally, action will be taken against those selling halal-certified products.
Earlier, the Muzaffarnagar Police had urged all eateries along the Kanwar route to voluntarily display the names of their owners and employees. DIG Saharanpur Ajay Kumar Sahni explained that this measure aims to prevent disputes over food prices and ensure transparency about the ownership of eateries.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Former Samajwadi Party MP Dr. ST Hasan accused the UP Government of promoting communal discrimination. UP state Congress chief Ajay Rai called the order impractical and divisive. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav labeled the order a ‘social crime’ and called for court intervention. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the order, likening it to apartheid and Nazi-era practices, and challenged CM Yogi Adityanath to issue a written order.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, providing guidelines for water, power, urban development, and energy ministers to ensure peace and security during the event. The Urban Development Department has also released instructions to enhance cleanliness, lighting, and drinking water arrangements for the upcoming Shravan month festivals.
Doubts Revealed
UP -: UP stands for Uttar Pradesh, which is a state in northern India.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister, who is the head of the government in an Indian state.
Yogi Adityanath -: Yogi Adityanath is the current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He is a political leader and a monk.
Kanwar Yatra -: Kanwar Yatra is a religious pilgrimage in India where devotees of Lord Shiva carry water from the Ganges River to offer at Shiva temples.
communal discrimination -: Communal discrimination means treating people unfairly based on their religion or community.
opposition parties -: Opposition parties are political groups that are not in power and often criticize the government’s actions.
