BJP In Tough Spot As Allies, Opposition Slam Muzaffarnagar Police Over Shop Owner Name Display Directive On Kanwar Yatra Route

In what appears to be a tough spot for BJP, its allies such as JD(U) and RLD, along with senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi have joined opposition chorus in criticising a police directive issued in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

This directive mandated that shops and carts along the Kanwar Yatra route display the names of their owners. The order faced vehement backlash, prompting the Muzaffarnagar police to issue a new advisory stating that displaying names would be voluntary.

The BJP defended the order, arguing that fasting Hindus can easily identify pure vegetarian restaurants as per a report by The Indian Express.

JD(U) leader K C Tyagi emphasised that the Kanwar Yatra occurs peacefully across various states and cautioned against actions that could harm communal harmony. He highlighted the involvement of Muslim artisans in making the kanwars and providing food for the pilgrims.

RLD spokesperson Anil Dubey and Naqvi also questioned the need for such directives, with Naqvi warning against actions that promote untouchability.

Naqvi stated, “The hasty orders of some over-zealous officials will create trouble… promote the evil of untouchability. Faith must be respected, but untouchability must not be patronised."

In a revised order, the Muzaffarnagar administration encouraged voluntary name displays to avoid confusion and potential law and order issues. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Saharanpur range) Ajay Kumar Sahni cited past incidents of misrepresented shop names causing problems as justification for the directive.

JD(U) MPs Giridhari Yadav and Ajay Kumar Mandal, whose constituencies fall along the Kanwar Yatra route in Bihar, reported no Hindu-Muslim issues regarding the Yatra, emphasising mutual respect among communities.

The opposition led by Samajwadi Party and Congress also criticised the order. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav called it divisive and Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned its intent and implications for economic boycotts.

BSP chief Mayawati called for the directive's immediate withdrawal, warning it could harm communal harmony.

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