Controversy Erupts Over Name Display Mandate on Kanwar Yatra Route

The Uttar Pradesh government's order for eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to display owners' names has sparked political outrage. Haridwar Police has followed suit. Critics, including AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi, accuse the government of discrimination, comparing the mandate to apartheid and Nazi-era practices.

The Uttar Pradesh government's recent mandate requiring all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names has sparked significant political outrage. Following this, the Haridwar Police Administration issued a similar directive to restaurant owners on the Kanwar Yatra route, which is set to commence on July 22.

Speaking with ANI, Haridwar SSP Padmendra Dobal explained the decision. 'Regarding the preparations for Kanwar, we have given general instructions to the hotels, dhabas, restaurants, and hawkers on the Kanwar route to write the name of the owner on their shops. If they fail to do so, we will take legal action against them. This decision was taken to avoid potential disputes,' Dobal said.

Previously, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mandated that food and beverage shops along the Kanwar routes display the name and identity of the operator to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrims' faith. Additionally, action will be taken against those selling halal-certified products. This move has ignited a political slugfest between the BJP and opposition parties.

Opposition parties have sharply criticized the mandate, accusing the UP government of targeting one community. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the order, comparing it to apartheid and Nazi-era practices. 'Seeing this order of the Uttar Pradesh government, it seems as if the spirit of Hitler has entered them. Will you give so much importance to a trip that you will ruin the livelihood of others? Will you work for only one community? Where is the Constitution? I challenge Yogi Adityanath to issue a written order if he has the courage. Clear discrimination is happening against Muslims,' Owaisi added.

(With inputs from agencies.)