In a bold move aimed at preserving the “purity” of the Kanwar Yatra, the Uttar Pradesh government has mandated that all roadside eateries along the pilgrimage route display the “name and identity” of their owners. This directive, which requires the installation of visible ‘nameplates’ at food establishments, extends statewide and includes measures against vendors selling Halal-certified products.
The decision, initially introduced by the Muzaffarnagar Police and now adopted across Uttar Pradesh, has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that the policy undermines communal harmony and fosters division. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai denounced the move as “absolutely impractical,” asserting that it disrupts societal unity. “They are trying to impair the sense of brotherhood in society, trying to create distance among people. This should be cancelled immediately,” Rai said.
Former Samajwadi Party MP Dr. ST Hasan echoed these concerns, alleging that the policy promotes communal discord. “A message is being given to boycott Muslims and visit shops of Hindus. How long will this communal thinking last? It is unfortunate that these kinds of incidents are happening,” Hasan remarked, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the order.
In response, State Minister Kapil Dev Aggarwal defended the measure as a step towards maintaining social harmony. He explained that the policy addresses concerns about non-veg food being sold in shops named after Hindu deities, often operated by members of the Muslim community. “This is not a matter about every food cart. Kanwariyas would not purchase non-veg from these establishments. We have only urged that non-veg should not be sold by opening shops after the names of Hindu deities,” Aggarwal said.
Aggarwal criticized the opposition for framing the policy as a religious issue, emphasizing that it is intended to ensure pilgrims have clear information about the food they are consuming. “Politicians are giving it a Hindu-Muslim angle. But it is not a Hindu-Muslim matter; it is a matter of social harmony,” he added.