New Delhi, July 22: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday strongly condemned the order mandating eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners. The CPI(M) called on NDA allies to pressure the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to withdraw the order. Former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his stance on the directive.
The controversial order requires all restaurants along the Kanwar Yatra route in both states to prominently display the names of their owners. The CPI(M) claims the decision aims to deepen communal divisions and stir tensions among religious communities.
“The move is blatantly unconstitutional and undermines the fundamental right of equality for all citizens,” the CPI(M) stated. They urged NDA allies to act swiftly to prevent such divisive actions.
In their statement, the CPI(M) warned, “While the immediate goal is to sharpen communal polarization, these actions by the BJP governments may soon exacerbate caste tensions and intensify caste-based social oppression. This approach seeks to restructure our society along the lines of the ‘Manusmriti,’ negating the constitutional principles of liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice for all citizens.”
Former J&K Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for the order, accusing the BJP of trying to curtail the rights of Dalits, Muslims, and other groups.
“Our Constitution grants equal rights and does not discriminate against anyone. The BJP is violating the Constitution. Rahul Gandhi rightly said that if they cross 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, they will destroy the Constitution. They have already dropped from 350 to 240 seats but have not learned their lesson,” Mufti asserted.
Mufti further claimed, “People who voted for them must realize that the BJP aims to dismantle the Constitution and strip Muslims, Dalits, and other sections of their rights to create a different system here. Modi ji should clarify whether he supports this order or not.”
Samajwadi Party chief and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also condemned the decision, calling for judicial intervention. He labeled the orders as “social crimes” that could disrupt regional peace.
Muzaffarnagar Police clarified that they have requested all eateries to “voluntarily display” the names of their owners and employees, emphasizing that the order is not intended to create “religious discrimination.”
