Is the SP Politicizing the Kanwar Yatra to Appease a Specific Community?

Lucknow, July 3 (NationPress) In a recent statement, Uttar Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak criticized the Samajwadi Party (SP) for allegedly politicizing the Kanwar Yatra, claiming that the party is resorting to appeasement politics to gain favor with a specific community.

These remarks arise amidst escalating political tensions regarding the temporary suspension of meat shops along the yatra routes and the requirement for shop owners to display their names prominently at food stalls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi.

The opposition, including the SP, has raised concerns that these actions are constitutionally dubious and are intended to incite religious animosity under the pretext of ensuring order during the religious event.

In response to these allegations, Pathak justified the measures, stating that they serve the public interest and promote transparency.

"This directive allows customers to know who they are purchasing food from. By politicizing these issues, the Samajwadi Party is merely engaging in appeasement politics," Pathak remarked to reporters.

He further accused the SP of trying to impose religious law and disrupt communal harmony.

"We have heard various Samajwadi Party leaders on television and in the press. Their comments suggest they aim to enforce Sharia law in our state and country, potentially igniting terrorism and riots," he continued.

The Deputy Chief Minister also questioned the SP's objection to simply requiring name displays at food establishments.

"If you're selling food, what’s wrong with displaying your name? Their absurd statements stem from their appeasement politics, which is disheartening. The people of the state will not forgive them for this," he stated.

Pathak reaffirmed that the BJP government is dedicated to upholding law and order, ensuring the peaceful execution of all religious events.

"The Samajwadi Party is attempting to incite riots by creating divisions based on caste and religion. We will maintain law and order in all circumstances, respecting all faiths, and guarantee the safe observance of religious events, including the Kanwar Yatra," he asserted.

This year, the month of Sawan starts on July 11 and lasts until August 9. The Kanwar Yatra, where devotees of Shiva travel long distances on foot to collect sacred Ganga water, will begin on July 11 and conclude with Sawan's Shivratri on July 23.

To enhance security and hygiene, authorities in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi have mandated that all food and beverage venues along the Kanwar route display the shopkeeper's name, employee details, and license information prominently.