The governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have sparked a significant controversy by directing dhabas and restaurants along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners. The opposition has condemned the order, labeling it discriminatory.
Asaduddin Owaisi, a prominent opposition leader, criticized the directive on social media. “Fear on UP’s Kanwar routes: This is the reality of hatred for Indian Muslims. Credit for this visceral hatred goes to political parties, leaders of Hindutva and so-called lip-servicing secular parties,” he posted on X, accompanied by a photo of an egg stall showcasing the owner’s name.
In response, West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar accused the opposition of misleading the public. He argued that similar directives had been issued by previous governments led by the Samajwadi Party. “The Opposition is misleading people and spreading lies. A similar kind of notification was issued during Mulayam Singh Yadav’s government, and Akhilesh Yadav’s government also issued such notifications. It’s a routine exercise and not specific to the Kanwar Yatra. The law requires that names be registered, not identifying anyone by religion… Hindus who eat non-veg go to Muslim shops. In West Bengal, we go to many such shops, which are run by Muslims. The Opposition is trying to divide the people and Asaduddin Owaisi is playing the role of Jinnah,” Majumdar said.
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal also criticized the directive, warning that such divisive measures would fragment the country. “Kanwar Yatra Route UP directs eateries, including roadside carts, to display the names of the owners! Is this the route to a ‘Viksit Bharat’? Divisive agendas will only divide the country!” Sibal wrote on X.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind chief Maulana Arshad Madani condemned the order, calling it a “new game of politics under the guise of religion.” He stated, “This is a completely discriminatory and communal decision, and anti-national elements will get an opportunity to benefit from this.”
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti expressed concerns that the BJP government would next target Dalits. “First, they (BJP) want to trample the rights of the Muslims, then it will be the turn of the Dalits and then backwards and other castes because they want to create a different system and what they did in UP is against the Constitution of this country,” she said.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut accused the BJP of undermining national unity. “Now you (BJP) are directing food stalls to put up nameplates based on caste and religion? Do you want to divide the country? You won’t profit from it. You are breaking the nation’s unity,” he stated.
