Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes UP Government's Directive on Kanwar Yatra Route

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti criticizes the UP government's directive for food shops on the Kanwar Yatra route to display owners' names, alleging it targets minorities. The directive, defended by the police, aims to prevent confusion among Kanwariyas. Other political leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav, also oppose the move.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief, Mehbooba Mufti, launched a scathing attack on the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday over a directive requiring food shops on the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names. Mufti accused the BJP of attempting to undermine the rights of Muslims, Dalits, and other minority groups.

Addressing a press conference, Mufti asserted, "Our Constitution provides equal rights and does not discriminate. The BJP is violating this principle. Rahul Gandhi correctly noted that if they secure over 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, they intend to dismantle the Constitution. Despite their seat count falling from 350 to 240, they have learned nothing."

Mufti expressed satisfaction that public dissent is growing over the issue and called on Prime Minister Modi to clarify his stance. Meanwhile, the Haridwar Police Administration issued a similar directive for the Kanwar Yatra route. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also condemned the move, labeling it a 'social crime' and urging judicial intervention.

Earlier, Muzaffarnagar Police clarified that the order was intended to prevent confusion among Kanwariyas during their pilgrimage, asserting that there was no intent to foster religious discrimination. The police cited past incidents where mislabeling of shops caused law and order issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)