Constitutional Crisis: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Condemns UP’s Kanwar Yatra Directive
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a prominent Congress leader, has strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh administration’s directive regarding eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route. The directive mandates these establishments to display the names of their owners, sparking accusations of discrimination.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Response
In a social media post, Priyanka Gandhi termed the directive as an assault on the principles of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on caste, religion, language, or place of birth. She called for the immediate withdrawal of the order and advocated for accountability against those responsible for issuing it.
हमारा संविधान हर नागरिक को गारंटी देता है कि उसके साथ जाति, धर्म, भाषा या किसी अन्य आधार पर भेदभाव नहीं होगा।
उत्तर प्रदेश में ठेलों, खोमचों और दुकानों पर उनके मालिकों के नाम का बोर्ड लगाने का विभाजनकारी आदेश हमारे संविधान, हमारे लोकतंत्र और हमारी साझी विरासत पर हमला है।
समाज…
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) July 19, 2024
Directive Details
Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government issued the directive to enhance transparency during the Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage starting July 22, 2024. The order aims to ensure clarity and avoid confusion among pilgrims.
Criticism and Opposition
The directive faced widespread criticism from various quarters, with allegations that it could lead to religious segregation. Opposition leaders likened the move to controversial historical policies, raising concerns about its implications for communal harmony.
Government’s Justification
Defending the directive, officials clarified that its purpose is solely to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra and not to discriminate against any community. The directive applies uniformly across Uttar Pradesh to maintain the integrity of the pilgrimage.
Political Fallout
The controversy has intensified political discourse in Uttar Pradesh, with contrasting views on the directive’s necessity and its potential impact on societal unity. While some support its implementation for logistical reasons, others view it as an infringement on constitutional rights.
Future Implications
As discussions continue, the directive’s fate remains uncertain amid ongoing debates over religious freedom, constitutional principles, and the administrative handling of religious processions like the Kanwar Yatra.