As the sacred Kanwar Yatra began on June 10, a fresh controversy erupted in Uttar Pradesh. The state government introduced a new rule: all shops along the Yatra route must be licensed and must display the owner’s original name clearly.
While the move is being justified as a step towards transparency and public safety, the opposition isn’t convinced.
Congress National Spokesperson Shama Mohamed strongly criticised the rule, calling it a distraction from real issues. “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…”
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also expressed his concern, questioning the sudden need for such a directive. He said, “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.”
UP Government Defends This Rule
Despite the criticism, the UP government insists the rule is in public interest. Senior minister Sanjay Nishad dismissed the opposition’s claims and said “The party whose nameplate the public has torn down and thrown away, that party’s words hold no weight… Our government makes decisions for the welfare of the public, which is why the public stands with us…”
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak backed the rule, saying it’s about every buyer’s right to know who they’re dealing with. “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?”
What is Kanwar Yatra?
The Kanwar Yatra is a spiritual journey in which devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, carry Ganga Jal from the river Ganga and walk hundreds of kilometres to pour it over the Shivling. The tradition is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is believed that even Parshuram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and a devout follower of Lord Shiva, took part in the first Yatra. For devotees, this pilgrimage is about faith, devotion, and community. But the recent political storm has added layers of tension to what has otherwise always been a peaceful journey.
