Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has alleged a conspiracy to defame the Kanwar Yatra, claiming that opposition members are disguising themselves as Kanwariyas to disrupt the pilgrimage. Pathak's statement comes amid heightened security and increased public complaints regarding traffic disturbances and noise during the annual pilgrimage.
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage undertaken by devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, during the Hindu month of Shravan. Pilgrims collect water from rivers, often the Ganga, and carry it for hundreds of kilometers to offer at Shiva shrines. This year, the month of Sawan began on July 11 and will continue until August 9. The main period for the Yatra concluded with Sawan Shivratri on July 23.
Pathak stated that the Samajwadi Party (SP) is orchestrating a conspiracy to defame the Kanwar Yatra by sending disruptive elements disguised as devotees. He asserted that the government is identifying these "anarchic elements" and will take strict action against anyone found breaking the law. "I can say with full confidence that behind all the disturbances are Samajwadi Party supporters who have infiltrated [the Yatra] disguised as Kanwariyas," Pathak said.
Pathak has also criticized the Samajwadi Party for politicizing the Kanwar Yatra and engaging in "appeasement politics". His comments follow a political row over the temporary closure of meat shops along the Yatra routes and the mandatory display of shop owners' names at food stalls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi. The opposition, including the SP, has argued that these measures are constitutionally questionable and aim to incite "religious hatred" under the guise of maintaining order during the procession.
In response to these allegations, Pathak defended the directives, stating they are in the public interest and ensure transparency. He accused the SP of attempting to impose religious law and destabilize communal harmony. "By raising such issues, the Samajwadi Party is only doing politics of appeasement," Pathak told reporters. He further questioned the SP's objection to displaying names at food establishments, asking, "If you are selling food, then what is the problem with writing the name?"
The Deputy Chief Minister has also responded to Samajwadi Party MLA Ravidas Mehrotra, who compared the BJP to terrorists. Mehrotra's statement followed the government's directive for shops along the Kanwar Yatra routes to display their names. Pathak condemned Mehrotra's comparison of Kanwar Yatra devotees to terrorists, calling it "highly condemnable". He accused the SP of wanting to implement Sharia law and pursue appeasement politics in Uttar Pradesh.
The Uttar Pradesh government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring a safe and systematic Kanwar Yatra. Chief Minister Adityanath has instructed officials to ensure that Kanwariyas do not face any inconvenience during their journey. The government is also working to maintain law and order and is sensitive to all religious events.
In light of the Yatra, the Delhi Police have enforced strict traffic restrictions, with extra personnel deployed at critical intersections to manage the influx of pilgrims and minimize disruption. Similar advisories have been issued in other cities to manage traffic and ensure the safety of devotees. The Supreme Court has also weighed in, directing all hotel owners to display licenses and registration certificates, ensuring pilgrims can choose where they want to eat.
