The NDA alliance is opposing Yogi Adityanath’s Kanwar Yatra advisory decision, leading to speculation about the underlying motives. There is a growing belief in Uttar Pradesh that Yogi’s decision might be a strategic move to challenge the Delhi government. Rumors are circulating that the Delhi government is dissatisfied with Yogi’s leadership and is considering replacing him with another CM. “Yogi has subtly hinted that any attempt to undermine his position could have significant repercussions in the political landscape.”
BJP allies oppose Kanwar Yatra advisory in UP
The UP police directive requiring eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of owners and workers has caused a divide within the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with several key BJP allies opposing the move and labeling it “discriminatory.” Haridwar police have also adopted a similar directive inspired by their Muzaffarnagar counterparts.
Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), an ally of the BJP in Bihar whose support is vital for the NDA government at the Centre, criticized the order as being contrary to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.” JD(U) leader KC Tyagi emphasized that a larger Kanwar Yatra takes place in Bihar without such restrictions and called for the order to be reviewed or rescinded.
Chirag Paswan, Union Minister and LJP chief, also opposed the UP police’s advisory, stating he would never support any division based on caste or religion. He emphasized the need to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, which includes all sections of society, and highlighted the government’s responsibility to work for the welfare of all, including Dalits, backward classes, upper castes, and Muslims.
In addition to Bihar allies, the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), a key BJP partner in Uttar Pradesh, also objected to the police order. RLD national general secretary Trilok Tyagi argued that prominent figures like Gandhi and Chaudhary Charan Singh advocated for separating religion and caste from politics. He criticized the tradition of requiring street vendors to display their names, asserting their right to work freely. Tyagi questioned why alcohol, which he argued could also be seen as corrupting, was not similarly regulated, suggesting that the focus on small vendors was unfair while more powerful businesses faced no such restrictions.
Broader Implications
This opposition highlights the tension within the BJP-led coalition, as allies seek to balance religious sentiments with governance. The controversy underscores the delicate nature of managing religious events in a diverse country like India.
