Kanwar Yatris labelled as criminals, terrorists, claims CM Yogi Adityanth

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday claimed that Kanwar Yatra pilgrims go through "media trials" and are labelled "criminals and terrorists".

"Kanwar Yatra is ongoing. People from all social classes, from the working class to the upper class, are involved in this movement. There is a strong sense of unity, and no discrimination is evident... However, there is a media trial, and the Kanwar Yatra is being defamed. They (Kanwar Yatris) are even labelled as criminals and terrorists. This reflects a mentality that seeks to tarnish India's heritage in every way," he said.

He was speaking at the inauguration of a national seminar on tribal icon 'Dharti Aaba' Bhagwan Birsa Munda in Varanasi.

#WATCH | Varanasi: UP CM Yogi Adityanath says, "Kanwar Yatra is ongoing. People from all social classes, from the working class to the upper class, are involved in this movement. There is a strong sense of unity, and no discrimination is evident... However, there is a media… pic.twitter.com/m0XAnlX4Om

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2025

The Kanwar Yatra, an annual Hindu pilgrimage, began on July 11. There have been reports of incidents of Kanwariyas allegedly damaging cars or vandalising shops in Uttar Pradesh. The reports have prompted reactions from the Opposition, including the Congress.

Massive security arrangements are made across northern Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi, including traffic diversions and public safety measures.

Yogi's comments came after  Congress leader Digvijaya Singh shared two pictures - one where a Kanwar Yatra was blocking a road and the other where people are offering namaz. "One country, two laws?" Singh posted on X.