The Uttar Pradesh government has defended its move to enforce nameplate regulations on shops lining the Kanwar Yatra route, stating the decision is meant to ensure transparency and public welfare.
The directive, which makes it mandatory for shopkeepers to display original ownership names and possess valid licences, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition.
Senior cabinet minister Sanjay Nishad dismissed the backlash, saying, “The party whose nameplate the public has torn down and thrown away, that party's words hold no weight. Our government makes decisions for the welfare of the public, which is why the public stands with us.”
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also weighed in, insisting that customers deserve to know the identity of those selling goods, particularly edible items.
“The Samajwadi Party always engages in appeasement politics. We will maintain law and order under all circumstances. Every buyer has the right to know and understand who they are purchasing from. If owners are being asked to put up their names, what problem is there with that?”
The Yogi Adityanath-led government’s directive comes ahead of the Kanwar Yatra, which is set to begin on 10 June.
The annual religious pilgrimage sees thousands of Kanwariyas collect sacred water from rivers and carry it over long distances to pour on Shiva shrines, following a tradition believed to date back to Parshuram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and a devotee of Shiva.
Senior minister OP Rajbhar added that the government’s goal was to ensure the peaceful conduct of religious events.
“Whatever plans are being made are meant for all castes and religions. Different religions have different arrangements. This has been done to prevent any kind of controversy. The opposition’s job is simply to speak against the ruling party,” he remarked.
However, opposition voices have accused the government of trying to communalise the pilgrimage route. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed criticised the directive, calling it a diversionary tactic.
“This is what happens when there’s no focus on development or employment. You try to divert attention by targeting communities. You end up trying to label shops as Hindu or Muslim. These actions should never be allowed. I’m proud of Rahul Gandhi for standing for all people,” she said.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi also condemned the move, alleging religious profiling.
“There are many hotels near the Muzaffarnagar bypass that have been operating for years. The Kanwar Yatra began years ago and used to happen peacefully. Why are such measures being imposed now? Hotel owners are being asked to show Aadhaar cards. Shopkeepers are being humiliated. What is the reason behind this?” Owaisi questioned.
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