Controversial Directive on Kanwar Yatra Shop Owners Sparks Political Uproar

The controversy escalates over the directive by Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments requiring eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to display owners' names. BJP ally RLD and opposition parties, calling the move divisive and targeting Muslims, plan to raise the issue in Parliament. The matter reaches the Supreme Court.

The controversy continues to intensify over the recent directive by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments mandating eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners' names. BJP ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) has now joined opposition parties in calling for its withdrawal, pledging to raise the issue in Parliament.

The matter has also reached the Supreme Court, which is set to hear a plea against the directive filed by the Association of Protection of Civil Rights. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has also moved the apex court, alleging that the orders aim to create a socially enforced economic boycott of Muslim shop owners and workers.

While the opposition claims the directive is communal and divisive, targeting Muslims and Scheduled Castes, the BJP maintains it's a measure to ensure law and order and respect religious sentiments. Extensive arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra, starting Monday, have been made, with measures like no-vehicle zones and security enhancements in place.