Mahadangal: Debate Intensifies Over Identity, Religion, and Rights During Kanwar Yatra in UP | ABP NEWS

As the holy month of Sawan begins, thousands of Lord Shiva’s devotees have started their Kanwar Yatra from Haridwar, carrying Gangajal. However, what should have been a peaceful spiritual journey has sparked political and communal controversy. Swami Yashveer Maharaj claimed that many kavads used in the yatra are made by Muslims, sparking outrage and leading to “Operation Kalnemi” — a drive to identify and allegedly exclude non-Hindu contributors. A heated television debate followed, with BJP defending the move, arguing it preserves the sanctity of Sanatan Dharma. On the other side, Samajwadi Party’s Rajkumar Bhati accused the BJP of communal polarisation. He questioned why such controversies only arise in Uttar Pradesh under the current regime, despite Kanwar Yatras taking place across India. Jayant Chaudhary of the RLD added that no community should feel unsafe and called for equal freedom to celebrate festivals without interference. BJP’s Vijay Shankar Tiwari countered with allegations about past incidents involving food contamination, demanding stricter monitoring of shops along the yatra route. The debate also touched on why meat shops are asked to shut down while liquor stores remain open — highlighting perceived inconsistencies in governance during religious festivals.