The recent directive from the Uttar Pradesh government, requiring food shops along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners’ names, has sparked a debate, with notable figures like actor Sonu Sood and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut weighing in.
Sonu Sood expressed his views on social media platform X, suggesting that shop nameplates should only display “humanity.” His post read, “There should be only one name plate on every shop: ‘HUMANITY'” and quickly garnered attention, with some users interpreting it as a critique of the government’s directive.
In response, Kangana Ranaut took to X to question Sood’s stance, stating, “Agree, Halal should be replaced with ‘HUMANITY.'”
The debate intensified as screenwriter Javed Akhtar also reacted to the controversy, criticizing the administration’s move. He drew a parallel to historical events, saying, “Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops, restaurants, and even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly. Why? In Nazi Germany, they used to make only a mark on particular shops and houses.”
On Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mandated that food and beverage shops along the Kanwar Yatra route must display the name and identity of the operator/owner to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrims’ faith. Additionally, action will be taken against those selling halal-certified products.
The directive has led to a political tussle between the BJP and the opposition, with various public figures and political leaders voicing their opinions on the matter.
