UP Government’s New Rule for Kanwar Yatra Sparks Debate
The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a new directive for food shops along the Kanwar Yatra route, requiring them to display the name and identity of the owner or operator. This move, aimed at maintaining the sanctity of the Kanwar Yatra, has drawn criticism from opposition parties and some allies of the ruling BJP.
Opposition Reactions
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the directive an attack on the Constitution, stating it discriminates based on caste and religion. She urged for its immediate withdrawal and action against the officials who issued it.
Harish Rawat, another Congress leader, condemned the decision, likening it to a modern form of untouchability. He called for the governments of UP and Uttarakhand to withdraw the order.
BSP leader Mayawati also criticized the directive, calling it unconstitutional and aimed at electoral gains.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav referred to the order as a social crime and called for court intervention to investigate the government’s intentions.
Former SP MP ST Hasan and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also condemned the directive, with Owaisi claiming it violates Article 17 of the Constitution.
Allies’ Reactions
Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also criticized the directive, urging the UP government to review or withdraw it.
RJD leader Manoj Jha called the directive a mindless exercise, questioning its practicality.
Support for the Directive
Seers in Ayodhya, including Acharya Satyendra Das and Jagatguru Ram Dineshacharya Maharaj, supported the order, calling it justified and a step to strengthen Sanatan culture.
BJP leaders like Mohsin Raza and Dushyant Kumar Gautam defended the directive, stating it aims to ensure security and harmony during the Kanwar Yatra.
Despite the controversy, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remained firm on the directive, emphasizing its role in maintaining peace and security during the Kanwar Yatra.
Doubts Revealed
UP Government -: UP Government stands for the government of Uttar Pradesh, which is a state in northern India. It is responsible for making rules and decisions for the people living in that state.
Kanwar Yatra -: Kanwar Yatra is a religious pilgrimage in India where devotees of Lord Shiva, called Kanwariyas, travel to collect holy water from the Ganges River and offer it at Shiva temples.
Priyanka Gandhi -: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is a leader of the Indian National Congress party. She is the daughter of Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, and the sister of Rahul Gandhi.
Mayawati -: Mayawati is a prominent Indian politician and the leader of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). She has served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh multiple times.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the two major political parties in India. It is currently the ruling party in the central government of India.
Seers -: Seers are wise and holy people in India, often associated with religious and spiritual guidance. They are respected for their knowledge and wisdom.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. Yogi Adityanath is the current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Unconstitutional -: Unconstitutional means something that goes against the rules and principles set by the Constitution of India, which is the supreme law of the country.
Divisive -: Divisive means something that causes disagreement or conflict among people, often leading to them being divided into different groups.