In a move aimed at enhancing transparency, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a new regulation requiring all food establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners’ names. This step follows a previous directive from the Muzaffarnagar Police that was withdrawn amid controversy.
The directive mandates that every eatery and food cart on the Kanwar Yatra route prominently display the owner’s name on a board. The intention behind this mandate is to ensure accountability and clear identification of vendors during the religious event.
The initial Muzaffarnagar Police order, which also called for the display of owners’ names, faced significant political backlash. Critics included former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Janata Dal United’s KC Tyagi, Samajwadi Party and its Chief Akhilesh Yadav. Following this, the administration allowed eateries to voluntarily display owners’ names.
While some BJP leaders supported the initiative, Naqvi emphasized his commitment to the Kanwar Yatra, asserting that faith should not be subject to external scrutiny.
However, CM Yogi Adityanath has reaffirmed and expanded the requirement to cover the entire State. This decision aims to uphold transparency and accountability during the Kanwar Yatra.
