Mahadangal: Sacred Journey or Stage for Division? Sawan Yatra Becomes Political Fodder | ABP NEWS

With the onset of the sacred month of Sawan, a large number of Lord Shiva’s devotees have commenced their Kanwar Yatra from Haridwar, carrying the holy Gangajal. However, the spiritual journey has become entangled in a growing political and communal dispute. Controversy erupted after Swami Yashveer Maharaj alleged that several kavads are being made by members of the Muslim community, prompting the launch of “Operation Kalnemi” — aimed at identifying and excluding non-Hindu vendors involved in religious items. A fierce debate broke out on television, where BJP leaders defended the operation as necessary to protect the sanctity of Sanatan Dharma. In contrast, Samajwadi Party’s Rajkumar Bhati accused the BJP of deliberately stoking communal divisions, questioning why such controversies are unique to Uttar Pradesh despite Kanwar Yatras being held in other states. RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary stressed that every citizen should feel safe and have the right to observe festivals without fear or discrimination. Responding to this, BJP’s Vijay Shankar Tiwari raised concerns about past instances of food tampering, urging more rigorous checks along the yatra path. The discussion also pointed out governance inconsistencies — like the closure of meat shops while liquor outlets remain operational during the yatra.