Kanwar Yatra Row: Baba Ramdev Backs UP Govt’s ‘Nameplate’ Order, Says Only Purity In Work Matters

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday backed the direction of the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand government where shopkeepers having food shops of the Kanwar route have been asked to display their ‘nameplates’.

Addressing the media, he said, “If Ramdev has no problem in revealing his identity, then why should Rahman have a problem in revealing his identity?”

He further said that everyone should be proud of their name and that there is no need for people to hide the name as only purity is required in work.  “If our work is pure, it does not matter if we are Hindu, Muslim or from any other community”, Ramdev added.

On July 18, police in the Muzaffarnagar district issued an order concerning the Kanwar Yatra route, mandating that all eateries display the names of their owners prominently outside their establishments. This directive aims to avoid confusion and ensure transparency during the religious procession.

The preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, which is set to commence on July 22, are underway accompanied by new guidelines from the administration.

According to the order issued by the Muzaffarnagar senior superintendent of police (SSP), owners of eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route must clearly write the name of the shop owner on their premises. This requirement extends to hotels, dhabas and carts, with the intention of facilitating smoother coordination and accountability.

Additionally, liquor and meat shops along the yatra routes will remain closed, and authorities are instructed to prevent stray animals from obstructing the pilgrims’ path. Surveillance through CCTV and drones will monitor the event, ensuring safety and security measures are upheld.

The decision has stirred a debate, with criticism from Owaisi, who alleged the measure could marginalise Muslims from taking part in the yatra. He likened it to “apartheid” in South Africa and “judenboycott” in Hitler’s Germany.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera called the order “state-sponsored bigotry” while Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said the order is a “social crime” and asked the courts to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.