Controversy Escalates Over UP and Uttarakhand Orders on Eateries

Controversy continues to rise after the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand instructed eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names. Opposition parties, including BJP's ally RLD, criticized the order, alleging it targets Muslims and Scheduled Castes. The issue is now set to be heard in the Supreme Court.

The controversy over a directive by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names escalated on Sunday. BJP ally RLD joined the chorus for its withdrawal, and opposition parties announced plans to address the issue in Parliament.

The directive has now reached the Supreme Court, where an NGO, Association of Protection of Civil Rights, has filed a plea against the UP government's order. The hearing is scheduled for Monday. Extensive arrangements have been made across states for the Kanwar Yatra, which begins on Monday with the start of the Sawan month in the Hindu calendar, drawing lakhs of Shiva devotees.

Opposition parties have labeled the order as communal and divisive, designed to target Muslims and Scheduled Castes. However, the BJP insists the measure aims to address law and order concerns and respect the religious sentiments of pilgrims. Meanwhile, yoga guru Ramdev defended the order, maintaining everyone should be proud of their identity.