The opposition has condemned the decision of the Uttar Pradesh government, which directs all the shopkeepers along the Kanwar route to get license and display original nameplates of the owners.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak noted that every buyer has the right to know the identity of the seller they are purchasing from.
“The Samajwadi Party always engages in appeasement politics… We will maintain law and order in every situation… Every buyer has the right to know and understand from whom they are purchasing edible items, and this is also a regulation. If they are writing it or being asked to write it, what problem do they have with it?” he said.
Senior Minister OP Rajbhar said, “The government strives to ensure that every festival is conducted peacefully…whatever plans the government is making, they are for all castes and religions. Different religions have different arrangements, so this was done to avoid any controversy…the opposition always speaks against the ruling party, this is their only work”
In response to the controversy over the nameplate for the Kanwar Yatra Congress National Spokesperson Shama Mohamed reacted saying that it is diversion tactics and these things should not be tolerated.
“This happens when you have no development and employment. You have to divert attention. You bring this out again to show this is a Muslim shop, this is a Hindu shop. So these things should never be allowed. I’m very proud of Rahul Gandhi, who stands for everyone…,” said Mr Shama Mohamed.
AIMIM (All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen) president Asaduddin Owaisi also condemned the UP government over its notice.
“There are many hotels near the Muzaffarnagar bypass. These hotels have been there for years. Didn’t the Kanwar Yatra start here 10 years ago? The Kanwar Yatra used to start peacefully. There was no unrest there. Why is all this happening now? Now, they are asking for Aadhaar cards from hoteliers. They are making shopkeepers remove their pants,” he said.
The Yatra started on June 10. In the Kanwar Yatra procession, Kanwariyas collect water from a river that they carry for hundreds of kilometers to dedicate the water at shrines of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu tradition, the first Kanwar was Parshuram, a disciple of Shiva and an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Devotees throughout India perform worship, fasting and travel as a pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva.
