Indore BJP MLA Supports UP's Mandate on Owner Identification for Kanwar Yatra Eateries

BJP MLA Golu Shukla endorses Uttar Pradesh's directive requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display owner names, asserting there's no harm in the measure. Shukla highlights the Kanwar Yatra's history and community support, while addressing potential concerns about sowing division.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Golu Shukla from Indore-3 assembly constituency endorsed the Uttar Pradesh government's directive on Saturday, which mandates that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route display the names of their respective owners. According to Shukla, there is nothing objectionable about the order.

'We have been organizing the Baneshwari Kanwar Yatra for the past 21 years. This year, the yatra will start from Maheshwar with a 'Dugdh Abhishek' to the Narmada river on July 22, the first Monday of the Shravan month, and will continue until July 29,' Shukla told ANI. He added that on the second Monday of Shravan, July 29, the yatra will conclude with offering water to Baba Mahakal at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain. The eight-day yatra typically attracts approximately 5,000 participants.

Regarding the UP directive, Shukla commented, 'Shopkeepers should indeed display their names and identities outside their shops. There is nothing wrong with this. We support what UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said.' When questioned about advocating for a similar mandate in Madhya Pradesh, Shukla said he would discuss it with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

'There is no issue of spreading hatred or division with this directive. It is not about dividing Hindus and Muslims. The Muslim community has welcomed our Kanwar Yatras in various cities in the state for years,' he added. On Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mandated that food and beverage shops along Kanwar routes display the name and identity of the operator/owner to maintain the pilgrimage's sanctity. Additionally, he ordered action against those selling halal-certified products.

This directive has sparked a political debate between the BJP and the opposition. (ANI)