NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government’s recent mandate requiring shopkeepers to display nameplates indicating the owner’s name, questioning the potential divisive impact of such orders on the unity of the nation.
The directive, according to Raut, appears aimed at fostering societal divisions based on caste and religion, sparking political controversy.
“Now you (BJP) are directing food stalls to put up nameplates based on caste and religion? Do you want to divide the country? You won’t profit from it. You are breaking the nation’s unity,” Raut commented while addressing reporters in Mumbai on Saturday.
Raut articulated that while Shiv Sena remains steadfast in its commitment to Hindutva ideals, the party opposes actions that fragment society. He emphasized other elements of pride within the Hindutva movement, advocating for unity rather than division.
“Kanwar Yatra, Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura are matters of pride. We have struggled for Hindutva, even more than the BJP. Till when will we continue this Hindu-Muslim, India-Pakistan game?” he posed.
Addressing the broader political context, Raut also criticized BJP’s coalition partners, referring to them as “slaves of power” and questioning their stance on the mandates issued by the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh. He implicated prominent leaders and parties in his critique.
“It has to be seen whether Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, Apna Dal, Chirag Paswan will be supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party’s divide and rule (policy), which creates division in society,” the Shiv Sena MP stated. “The alliance partners are slaves of power. What is the role of Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, and Chirag Paswan? If they have the courage, they should come forward,” he added.
Raut further criticized the BJP in light of the results of the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, expressing skepticism about the party’s electoral future if it continues to pursue policies perceived as divisive.
“The BJP has earlier suffered defeat in the Lok Sabha election. People will not vote for those who divide the country. What new game is this?” he questioned.
The uproar revolves around a directive from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which requires food and beverage vendors along Kanwar routes to display the name and identity of the operator or owner
. This move is intended to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrims’ faith.
Adityanath mandated action against sellers of halal-certified products.
The enforcement of ID Cards by all shops along the Kanwar Yatra route has sparked a significant political controversy between the BJP and the opposition.