From ID card display to halal products: Why the upcoming Kanwar Yatra in UP has become political?

Kanwar Yatra

Uttar Pradesh government's directive asking eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route throughout the state to display the names of their owners has come under massive political criticism. Opposition leaders have accused the Yogi government of indulging in narrow politics with a clear aim to sideline a particular community.

However, the chief minister, in multiple public forums has stated that the decision has been taken to preserve the sanctity of Kanwar pilgrims. Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage by Lord Shiva devotees, will begin on July 22.

The name display order, originally issued by Muzaffarnagar police, clearly says that all eateries, dhabas, hotels and fruit sellers must display the names of their owners in large letters so that Kanwar devotees can decide where to have their refreshments.

Explaining the rationale behind the current move, CM Adityanath said businesses in the Kanwar route have been directed to display nameplates to maintain the purity of the faith of Kanwar pilgrims. He added stern action would be taken against those selling Halal products. UP CM's said, “Nameplate will have to be put on the food shops on the Kanwar routes across Uttar Pradesh. The decision was taken to maintain the purity of the faith of Kanwar pilgrims. Action will also be taken against those selling products with Halal certification."

Last year, the Uttar Pradesh government had banned Halal certification on various food products, including dairy products , sugar, bakery items, peppermint oil, namkeen (ready-to-eat savory snacks), and cooking oil.

Halal certification guarantees that food is prepared according to Islamic law and is unadulterated. Those found selling Halal-certified products within the state will be prosecute under Section 30 (2) (d) of the Food Safety and Standards Act. However, the ban does not apply to products intended for export.

State minister Kapil Dev Agarwal said most of the outlets with names of Hindu deities are run by Muslims and they sell non-vegetarian food. He added those outlets must be identified and prohibited.

“This is not a matter about every food cart. Those who carry 'jal' from Haridwar and travel for 250-300km cross this route to reach their destination. We had urged the district administration that all such people who run their dhaba/hotel after the names of Hindu deities are mostly from the Muslim community. Kanwariyas visit their shops where non-vegetarian food is sold. So, the name of the shop is after a Hindu deity, but non-vegetarian is sold there; all such establishments should be prohibited, they should be identified,” the minister said.

Uttarkhand police have also released a set of directives for food establishments situated along the paths of the Kanwar Yatra. According to senior police functionaries, these businesses are required to prominently display specific information about their owners.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav labelled the order as a “social crime” and called for court intervention, questioning the intention behind the government and administration’s actions. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the order, likening it to apartheid and Nazi-era practices, and challenged Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to issue a written order if he has the “courage.”

Janata Dal (United), the ally of the BJP government at the centre, asked the Uttar Pradesh government to review the Muzaffarnagar order or to take the order back. Speaking to ANI, Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi said that a Kanwar Yatra bigger than this (in UP) takes place in Bihar.

“A Kanwar Yatra bigger than this (in UP) takes place in Bihar. No such order is in effect there. These prohibitions that have been imposed are in violation of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ that the PM speaks of. The order is not in effect in Bihar nor in Rajasthan and Jharkhand. It would be good if it is reviewed. This order should be taken back,” KC Tyagi told the press.

Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan joined the growing list of BJP allies who have objected to the police advisory in Muzaffarnagar asking eateries to display their owners' names on the Kanwar Yatra route. Speaking to news agency PTI, Chirag Paswan said he doesn't support the police advisory or anything that creates “divide in name of caste or religion.”