Asaduddin Owaisi condemns UP’s new Kanwar Yatra mandate as discriminatory

In a strong rebuke to the Uttar Pradesh government’s latest mandate, Asaduddin Owaisi, the Hyderabad MP and leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), has voiced serious concerns over what he perceives as targeted directives against Muslim business owners in the region. On Saturday, Owaisi took to Twitter to denounce the order, which requires all shopkeepers and eatery operators along the Kanwar Yatra route to prominently display the names of their owners and employees, linking it to broader issues of prejudice against Muslims in India.

The Uttar Pradesh administration, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), mandated on Friday that during the Kanwar Yatra—an annual pilgrimage revered by Hindu devotees—all commercial establishments must not only display owner and employee details but also refrain from selling items marked as ‘halal-certified.’ These measures, according to the state government, are intended to preserve the sanctity of the yatra and ensure public order during the event.

Owaisi’s tweet underscored his critique by referencing a report from The Times of India, which highlighted the fears among Muslim shop owners on the Yatra route. He attributed the rise in hostility towards Indian Muslims to both the nationalist parties associated with Hindutva and other parties that claim to support secular values but fail to address these concerns effectively.

The UP government asserts that the new rules are designed to enhance security and transparency during the Kanwar Yatra, scheduled from July 22 to August 2, marking the holy month of Shravan according to the Hindu calendar. However, critics like Owaisi argue that these regulations are another facet of increasing religious polarization in the state, potentially alienating the Muslim community.

The move has sparked a heated debate across political and social spectrums, with supporters claiming it’s a step towards greater accountability, while detractors see it as an unnecessary imposition that could sow discord in a culturally diverse society.

This directive could indeed deepen communal divides if not implemented with careful consideration of its broader implications. While ensuring the safety and orderliness of religious festivities is paramount, it is equally crucial to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect among diverse community groups. The challenge lies in balancing these aspects without alienating any section of the populace.