The Kanwar Yatra is often a peak time for political maneuvering. While it's not quite an election frenzy, it's not devoid of political gains either. In Uttar Pradesh, it represents a significant opportunity for the BJP, and post their ascent to power, the Kanwar Yatra has gained heightened importance in Delhi.
Similar to the scene in Uttar Pradesh where the BJP and Samajwadi Party clash over the Kanwar Yatra, Delhi is witnessing a comparable spectacle. The Aam Aadmi Party has already taken aim at the Delhi BJP, accusing them of engaging in dirty politics concerning the Kanwar Yatra.
No bulldozers here, but in matters relating to the Kanwar Yatra, Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta appears inspired by Uttar Pradesh's CM Yogi Adityanath. While there are rampant talks of closing meat shops along the Kanwar Yatra route in Delhi, no official directives have been issued yet.
The journey, which continues until July 23, sees a myriad of arrangements made by the government for the Kanwar pilgrims. Although such provisions have been seen before, the BJP is enhancing these efforts — preparing for a grand welcome.
Camps have been a staple for Kanwariyas in previous years, but this time around, their numbers have soared. From last year's count of 185 camps, the numbers have reportedly exceeded 250. The Delhi government has committed financial assistance of 1 million rupees to registered groups to facilitate facilities like accommodation for devotees and other services during the Kanwar yatra. In these provisions, a concession of free electricity up to 1200 units is included.
After a review meeting with the Kanwar Seva Samiti, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the government is all set... As soon as the final list is procured, the first installment will be distributed with a click of a button.
Welcoming gates are in the making to honor the Kanwariyas, along with arrangements to shower flowers upon their arrival. The UP government has already carried out similar activities, showering flower petals via helicopter during the previous Kanwar Yatra. Camps in Delhi are set to have arrangements for drinking water and medical facilities, and barricades are reportedly prepared to ensure the pilgrims' safe passage on foot.
Capitalizing on the Kanwar Yatra preparations, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party. She alleges that the previous government engaged in corruption under the guise of aiding the Kanwariyas... They spent millions and distributed tenders to only a handful of acquaintances... Never reaching the grassroots with any tangible benefits.
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party accused the BJP of indulging in disgraceful politics over the sacred tradition. AAP Delhi convener Saurabh Bhardwaj remarks, for the past 10-11 years, the Aam Aadmi Party government has provided all essential facilities and supported Kanwariyas irrespective of political ideologies... It's the same people running the camps for a decade, now BJP is playing dirty politics over the matter.
Recently, a decision was being considered to shut meat shops on the Kanwar Yatra route in Delhi, akin to regulations in UP, though no official announcement has followed. Education Minister Ashish Sood declared that although no orders exist, public sentiments should be respected.
In the Delhi government, Minister Kapil Mishra announced that all meat shops within a 500-meter radius of the Kanwar Yatra route, licensed or otherwise, would be closed. He had planned this step with the MCD, but the Municipal Corporation of Delhi denied enforcement, citing no legal basis for such a ban.
In Uttar Pradesh, the issue stirred significant commotion last year, and similar conditions seem to have resurfaced. When the local administration instructed putting up name plaques at certain shops, the opposition labeled it a move revealing religious identity, sparking substantial controversy. This matter has resurfaced at the Supreme Court.
Although the Supreme Court didn't let such an order come into effect last time, it stressed that shopkeepers only need to disclose what food items they sell. The Court stated, 'We are putting a stay on the order... Shopkeepers should only reveal what they are selling... They shouldn't be compelled to disclose owners' or employees' names.'
The latest dispute in UP revolves around the government order to place QR codes. A petition in the Supreme Court argues QR codes could expose shop owners' names.
Clearly, nothing has changed. Everything remains the same; it's just digital now. No papers to show, now it's all about QR code scanning.
