Controversy Erupts Over Name Display Order for Eateries on Kanwar Yatra Route

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) criticized opposition parties for objecting to a police order in Muzaffarnagar requiring eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to display owners' names. The directive, which the VHP supports as a protection of Hindu faith, has been labeled discriminatory and controversial by various political leaders.

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Thursday criticized opposition parties for objecting to the Uttar Pradesh Police's request for eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route in Muzaffarnagar to display their owners' names, asserting the necessity of this measure to protect Hindu faith.

The reaction from the VHP followed the Congress party's condemnation of the Muzaffarnagar Police order as an 'assault on India's culture,' accusing it of attempting to 'normalize' an economic boycott of Muslims.

AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi described the order as 'clear-cut discriminatory,' claiming it aims to render Muslims 'second-grade citizens' in Uttar Pradesh and nationwide. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav termed the directive a 'social crime' and urged the courts to take suo-motu cognisance.

Hitting back, VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal praised the Uttar Pradesh government and police for demanding disclosure of identities by eatery owners, calling it essential for protecting Hindu society and its faith amidst accusations of malpractice by some vendors.

Bansal emphasized that no objections would arise if shopkeepers conducted their business transparently, questioning their motives for concealing identities. Muzaffarnagar Police's order aims to prevent confusion and law-and-order issues during the Kanwar Yatra.