Kanwar Yatra Controversy: Political Leaders Slam BJP's Nameplate Directive for Eateries

AAP MP Sanjay Singh and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the BJP for a directive requiring eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to display owners' names. Singh accused the BJP of discriminating against minorities, while Vadra termed the move unconstitutional.

A controversy has erupted over a new directive requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar to display their owners' names. AAP MP Sanjay Singh has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of harboring hatred against backward and minority communities, claiming that the move aims to destroy their employment in the aftermath of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Sanjay Singh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the matter and criticized the state government for promoting caste-based discrimination.

Singh highlighted that such diktats would disproportionately affect backward communities, drawing parallels to other instances of discrimination under BJP's rule. He mentioned that oils imported from Muslim countries are used during the Kanwar Yatra, suggesting that the directive exposes BJP's frustration post-general elections.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's directive, calling it an attack against the Constitution. She stated that the directive goes against constitutional principles against discrimination based on caste, religion, language, or place of birth. Meanwhile, Muzaffarnagar Police clarified that the order is meant to facilitate devotees and is not intended to create religious discrimination.

(With inputs from agencies.)