Chirag Paswan Opposes Muzaffarnagar Police Advisory Mandating Nameplates on Eateries

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th July. Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) leader Chirag Paswan has joined the growing list of BJP allies objecting to the recent police advisory in Muzaffarnagar. The advisory mandates that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route display the names of their owners.

In a statement to PTI, Paswan voiced his opposition, emphasizing that he does not support any measure that creates a “divide in the name of caste or religion.”

When asked directly about his stance on the advisory, Paswan responded, “No, I don’t.” He explained his belief that society is divided into two classes, the rich and the poor, which encompass people of all castes and religions.

“We need to bridge the gap between these two classes of people. It is every government’s responsibility to work for the poor, which includes all sections of society such as Dalits, backwards, upper castes, and Muslims,” Paswan stated.

Paswan further added, “Whenever there is such divide in the name of caste or religion, I absolutely do not support or encourage it. I do not think any educated young person of my age, irrespective of the caste or religion they come from, is affected by such things.”

Growing Dissent Among BJP Allies:
The Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)), another key BJP ally, has also urged the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider the Muzaffarnagar order. JD(U) leader KC Tyagi noted that a larger Kanwar Yatra takes place in Bihar without such orders.

“These prohibitions violate the ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ principle that the PM speaks of. This order should be reviewed and taken back,” Tyagi told ANI.

Similarly, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary criticized the advisory.

RLD National General Secretary Trilok Tyag argued against forcing vendors to display nameplates, describing the practice as “absolutely wrong.”

Tyag questioned the inconsistency in regulations, highlighting the lack of prohibition on alcohol despite its religious implications. “This tradition is wrong. It is up to the customer to choose where to buy from,” Tyag said, demanding that if such measures are to be taken, alcohol should also be banned.

Chief Minister’s Directive:
Earlier on Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a directive requiring food and beverage shops along Kanwar routes to display the name and identity of the operator to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrims’ faith.

Additionally, the directive mandates action against those selling halal-certified products.