Ramdev Defends Controversial Order for Kanwar Yatra Eateries

Yoga guru Ramdev supported an order requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names, arguing for transparency. This follows controversy sparked by Muzaffarnagar Police and subsequent state-wide extension. Ramdev dismissed critics as politically motivated and emphasized India's ethos of unity and honesty.

Yoga guru Ramdev on Sunday justified the order for all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names, saying no one should have any problem in introducing themselves.

'When Ramdev has no problem in revealing his identity, then why should Rehman have any problem?' he told reporters in Haridwar.

Ramdev's remark follows a Muzaffarnagar Police order last week that required hotels, restaurants, and dhabas along the Kanwar Yatra route to put up signboards with their owners' names, addresses, and mobile numbers.

On July 19, the Uttar Pradesh government extended the controversial order across the state. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said similar instructions are already in place there.

Agreeing with the decision of both state governments, Ramdev stated that there is no need to hide one's name if the work is done with truth and honesty. He argued that whether a person is Hindu, Muslim, or from any other religion or class, they should be proud of themselves.

He added that fabrications surrounding the issue are wrong, and he criticized opposition parties' criticism of the order, claiming their protest is politically motivated.

Ramdev condemned the hatred and animosity directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying such sentiments are against India's culture of non-violence, love, coexistence, harmony, and unity.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand authorities on Sunday announced that the state police and administration have completed preparations for the Kanwar Yatra starting from Monday. Additional Director General of Police A P Anshuman and Inspector General of Police of Garhwal Karan Singh Nagnyal reviewed the preparations.

The entire Kanwar fair area has been divided into 13 super zones, 31 zones, and 126 sectors for the sake of arrangements. A bomb disposal squad, eight companies of paramilitary forces, and four teams of sniffer dogs will be deployed. Additionally, 22 drone cameras and CCTV cameras will monitor activities.

Every year in the month of Saavan, devotees of Lord Shiva from states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana reach Haridwar and Rishikesh carrying Kanwad to collect holy water from the Ganga.