Congress Leader Harish Rawat Criticizes Name Display Mandate on Kanwar Yatra Route

Harish Rawat denounces a new mandate in Muzaffarnagar requiring eatery owners to display names, citing it as a resurgence of untouchability. He calls for UP and Uttarakhand governments to withdraw the directive, emphasizing that such actions contradict the inclusive spirit of Sanatan Dharma upheld by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.

After a row erupted over eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar being asked to display their owners' names, Congress leader Harish Rawat condemned the decision on Friday. Rawat stated that the practice of untouchability, abolished after India's independence, has resurfaced in another form. He urged the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to withdraw the order immediately.

Rawat further criticized the directive, noting that many Muslim community members actively serve the Kanwar yatris, well-versed in Hindu rituals. He argued that shopkeepers are aware of the do's and don'ts during the Kanwar Yatra and often inform customers about ingredients like onion and garlic. Rawat stated, 'This is a great yatra. Everybody welcomes Kanwar Yatris. I have seen Muslim brothers serving water to Hindu Kanwar Yatris. Tomorrow, they might also categorize other items using labels.'

Speaking on broader religious inclusivity, Rawat emphasized that the essence of Sanatan Dharma is to include everyone, citing Mahatma Gandhi's opposition to untouchability. He called for rebuke against officials who endorsed the instructions, asserting they misunderstand the real principles of Sanatan Dharma. The Muzaffarnagar Police had asked eateries along the Kanwar route to voluntarily display owners' names to facilitate devotees, denying any intention of religious discrimination.

(With inputs from agencies.)