NEW DELHI: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) allies Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have expressed strong objections to a recent Uttar Pradesh government decision affecting establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route.
Key Criticisms:
- RLD’s Stance: RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to withdraw its order mandating that eateries and other establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route display their owners’ names. Chaudhary criticized the decision, stating that the Kanwar pilgrimage transcends religious and caste lines. “It doesn’t appear to be a well-thought-out and well-reasoned decision,” Chaudhary told ANI. He further emphasized that the tradition of the pilgrimage has always been inclusive, and such measures could undermine this spirit.
- NCP’s View: NCP leader Praful Patel also condemned the directive, suggesting that it requires revision. Patel asserted that the new measures, including actions against vendors selling Halal-certified products, are unprecedented and need to be reconsidered. “These steps have been taken for the first time in view of the Kanwar Yatra. It needs amendment. The UP government needs to take it back,” Patel stated after an all-party meeting.
Context of the Directive:
The Uttar Pradesh government recently ordered that restaurants, roadside eateries, fruit vendors, and tea stalls along the Kanwar Yatra route prominently display nameplates with information about the proprietors. The directive also includes provisions for taking action against those selling Halal-certified products.
Wider Reaction:
This order has faced criticism from other BJP allies as well, including Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).
The controversy surrounding this directive highlights ongoing tensions and differing views within the BJP’s political sphere. The call for reconsideration reflects concerns about the impact of the new measures on the Kanwar Yatra’s inclusive tradition and the broader implications for local businesses.
