In response to the Uttar Pradesh government’s recent advisory requiring all shops along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the owner’s name, BJP leader Mohsin Raza has come forward to defend the measure. The advisory, aimed at enhancing security and public safety during the annual Kanwar Yatra, has sparked debate and drawn criticism from some quarters.
Raza emphasized the scale and significance of the Kanwar Yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees each year. “The Kanwar Yatra takes place on a large scale in UP,” he noted. “CM Yogi Adityanath has always been attentive towards the security of the public. The facilities and management of the Kanwar Yatra have consistently improved over the last seven years, and this is the eighth year of enhanced oversight.”
The BJP leader argued that the new advisory is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure safety and promote transparency. “The government is providing enhanced facilities and security for the yatra, so there is no need for anyone to hide their name. This also sends a message of harmony and cooperation.”
Raza criticized the opposition for attempting to politicize the advisory. “The opposition is trying to oppose the Kanwar Yatra and not the advisory itself,” he said. He asserted that the measure is intended to maintain order and safety during the religious event, rather than targeting any specific group or individual.
The advisory mandates that all shops and vendors along the Kanwar Yatra route display their owner’s name prominently. Officials say this step is designed to help authorities easily identify and address any potential issues that may arise during the yatra.
Critics, however, argue that this directive could be burdensome for small businesses and might create unnecessary friction. They question the necessity of such measures, suggesting that the government should focus on broader security strategies instead.
