Sonu Sood had posted on X, stating that only “humanity” should be displayed on shop nameplates: “There should be only one nameplate on every shop: ‘HUMANITY.'” This statement sparked backlash from several social media users who saw it as a critique of the government’s directive.
Reacting to Sood’s stance, Kangana Ranaut responded on Friday, saying, “Agree, Halal should be replaced with ‘HUMANITY’.”
Earlier, screenwriter Javed Akhtar also weighed in on the controversy, criticising the administration. He posted on X, “Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in the near future, all shops, restaurants, and even vehicles should prominently display the owner’s name. Why? In Nazi Germany, they used to mark particular shops and houses.”
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday mandated that food and beverage shops along Kanwar routes 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 Uttar Pradesh government’s move to enforce the use of ID cards by all shops along the Kanwar Yatra route has led to a political slugfest between the BJP and the opposition.