RLD Chief Jayant Chaudhary Calls for Rollback of Kanwar Route Name Display Order

GG News Bureau
Muzaffarnagar, 22nd July. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally Jayant Chaudhary has called for the Uttar Pradesh government to withdraw its controversial order mandating eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners.

Chaudhary argued that the pilgrimage transcends religious and caste boundaries, and the directive seems to have been made without due consideration.

Addressing reporters in Muzaffarnagar on Sunday, Chaudhary criticized the order as unnecessary and divisive. “The Kanwar Yatra is not associated with any single religion or caste,” he stated. “It appears the government is sticking to the decision simply because it was made.”

Chaudhary questioned the practicality of the order, pointing out its potential for confusion and discrimination. “If eateries must display names, what about international chains like McDonald’s or Burger King? Muslims are also vegetarians, and Hindus may also eat non-vegetarian food. Should we start labeling people based on their attire or their choice of food?”

The demand for the rollback is also seen in the context of upcoming by-elections. Sources suggest that RLD may field a Muslim candidate, Nawazish Alam, for the Meerapur seat in Muzaffarnagar, which has a significant Muslim electorate. The move is perceived as a strategy to regain Muslim support that may have shifted away due to Chaudhary’s alignment with the BJP.