Is BJP Challenging Akhilesh Yadav Over Kanwariyas Remarks?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uttar Pradesh's political tensions are rising.
- Kanwar Yatra arrangements have become a point of contention.
- The BJP emphasizes inclusivity in governance.
- Religious sentiments play a significant role in political discourse.
- Criticism of government actions reveals deeper political divides.
Ballia, July 9 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh (UP) Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh on Wednesday challenged the intentions of Samajwadi Party chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav, questioning, “If our government is catering to Kanwariyas, then why is Akhilesh experiencing discomfort?”
Previously, Akhilesh Yadav criticized the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of inadequate preparations for the Kanwar Yatra pilgrims.
Yadav claimed that rather than concentrating on vital provisions such as food, water, and healthcare for the followers of Lord Shiva, the state administration was more preoccupied with issuing QR codes to keep track of the pilgrims.
He called on the government to focus on the welfare of the devotees during the sacred month of Shravan.
Mocking the officials, Yadav suggested to reporters, “Assign Circle Officers and Sub-Divisional Magistrates to massage the feet of the Kanwariyas. This might provide some relief to the pilgrims and accumulate virtues for the officers, reflecting our Vedic traditions.”
In response, UP Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh firmly stated, “If our government is supporting the Kanwariyas, who are devotees of Lord Shiva, why does it concern Akhilesh Yadav?”
He reminded that Akhilesh Yadav had the same opportunity to act during his tenure.
“These devotees are entitled to utmost respect and amenities. If we are ensuring clean roads, water supply, and even showering them with flowers from helicopters, what’s the issue?” Singh remarked.
He further rebuked the Opposition’s claims of religious favoritism, especially comments made by Samajwadi Party leader ST Hasan.
“These are the same individuals who previously asserted that a specific community had the primary right to the country’s resources. In contrast, Prime Minister Modi speaks for all 130 crore Indians, and Chief Minister Yogi represents 25 crore people in Uttar Pradesh, without dividing them by caste, religion, or region,” Singh stated.
He concluded by saying that the Opposition has consistently operated based on vote bank politics, while the BJP prioritizes inclusive governance.
Additionally, Singh weighed in on the recent Marathi-Hindi language debate, asserting, “All Indian languages deserve equal respect. Every citizen has the right to live and work anywhere in the nation. India belongs to everyone, not just a select few. Now, even Hindi speakers are being targeted.”