The ongoing Kavad Yatra has sparked significant controversy following a directive from the Uttar Pradesh government mandating that all shopkeepers along the yatra route display the names of their shop owners in front of their establishments. This order has faced strong opposition not only from the NDA allies JDU and RLD but also from Chirag Paswan. Critics, including opposition parties, have accused the Yogi Adityanath administration of engaging in politically motivated actions ahead of upcoming by-elections in the state.
Dispute Over Nameplate Order
The controversy began when Muzaffarnagar police issued an order requiring shopkeepers, hawkers, and dhabas along the Kawad Yatra route to display nameplates. This directive was subsequently expanded to cover the entire state of Uttar Pradesh.
The issue soon spilled over into Uttarakhand, where the Pushkar Singh Dhami government mandated similar measures for shopkeepers along the Kanwar Yatra routes, also requiring the display of names and rates.
NDA coalition parties opposed
The order was met with immediate backlash within the NDA coalition. Janata Dal United (JDU) was the first to criticize the directive, with party general secretary KC Tyagi arguing that such measures are unnecessary and discriminatory. Tyagi said that a larger Kawad Yatra takes place in Bihar without such orders and called for a review, suggesting the order would exacerbate social discrimination.
RLD, another NDA ally in Uttar Pradesh, also voiced strong objections. Chirag Paswan, often referred to as Modi's 'Hanuman,' joined the chorus of criticism, labeling the order as flawed and expressing his displeasure.
Suspicions about political motivations of the move
The timing of the directive has raised suspicions about its political motivations. By-elections are imminent in ten assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, and the BJP's reputation is on the line following its recent performance in the Lok Sabha elections. Winning these by-elections is seen as crucial for the BJP to regain momentum and boost morale.
However, the BJP faces multiple challenges, including internal discord, public discontent over inflation and unemployment, and the need to address coordination issues within the party. These by-elections represent a significant hurdle for the ruling party.
Opposition also gearing up for a tough battle
The opposition, comprising the Samajwadi Party and Congress, is also gearing up for a tough battle in the by-elections. Their alliance could prove advantageous, but Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is determined to make a comeback, potentially complicating the opposition’s prospects. The BSP’s success could lead to a triangular contest, adding further intrigue to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh.
BJP creating communal controversy: SP
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Mohammad Azam has accused the BJP of creating communal controversy to divide voters for electoral gain. He suggested that the directive serves Yogi Adityanath’s interests by stirring communal tensions to secure a favorable outcome in the by-elections.
Conversely, Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi defended the order, arguing that it was issued to accommodate the religious sentiments of Kawad pilgrims and to ensure administrative arrangements. Tripathi maintained that the directive aims to foster peace and dialogue in society while respecting the religious practices of the pilgrims.
The nameplate order for shopkeepers along the Kawad Yatra route has ignited a political storm, with significant implications for the upcoming by-elections in Uttar Pradesh. As political tensions rise, both the ruling party and the opposition are navigating a complex landscape, with the stakes higher than ever. The outcome of these by-elections will likely influence the broader political climate in the state and set the stage for future electoral contests.
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