NEW DELHI: AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the Uttar Pradesh government’s recent directive requiring food shops along the Kanwar Yatra route to display nameplates with the proprietors’ details. Speaking after the all-party meeting, Owaisi condemned the order as unconstitutional and accused the state government of “promoting untouchability” and “discrimination against Muslims“.
“We said that if any government passes an order against the Constitution, then the government of India should take note of it. Issuing such an order is a violation of Article 17. They are promoting untouchability. It is against the right to life, you are against livelihood,” Owaisi said.
Owaisi strongly objected to the directive, saying it would have a broader impact on communal harmony and constitutional rights.
“Tomorrow a Muslim will say that he keeps fast for 30 days in Ramazan and does not drink water for 15 hours. Will you not give water to anyone? This is just a sign of hatred. There is an open discrimination against Muslims”, he added.
Eateries, dhabas, fruit shops, and tea stalls along the Kanwar Yatra route have been instructed to display nameplates indicating the proprietors’ details. The state government has also announced that action will be taken against those selling products with Halal certification.
This move has sparked significant controversy, with opposition parties and civil rights activists accusing the government of promoting discrimination.
The directive has not only stirred controversy in Uttar Pradesh but has also influenced neighboring states. The Uttarakhand Police has released a set of directives for food establishments situated along the paths of the Kanwar Yatra. According to Pramod Singh Dobal, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Haridwar, these businesses are now required to prominently display specific information about their owners.
The ruling party in Uttar Pradesh has defended the directive, saying that it is a measure to ensure transparency and accountability. However, opposition parties argue that it is a thinly veiled attempt to discriminate against Muslim-owned businesses.
“We said that if any government passes an order against the Constitution, then the government of India should take note of it. Issuing such an order is a violation of Article 17. They are promoting untouchability. It is against the right to life, you are against livelihood,” Owaisi said.
Owaisi strongly objected to the directive, saying it would have a broader impact on communal harmony and constitutional rights.
“Tomorrow a Muslim will say that he keeps fast for 30 days in Ramazan and does not drink water for 15 hours. Will you not give water to anyone? This is just a sign of hatred. There is an open discrimination against Muslims”, he added.
Eateries, dhabas, fruit shops, and tea stalls along the Kanwar Yatra route have been instructed to display nameplates indicating the proprietors’ details. The state government has also announced that action will be taken against those selling products with Halal certification.
This move has sparked significant controversy, with opposition parties and civil rights activists accusing the government of promoting discrimination.
The directive has not only stirred controversy in Uttar Pradesh but has also influenced neighboring states. The Uttarakhand Police has released a set of directives for food establishments situated along the paths of the Kanwar Yatra. According to Pramod Singh Dobal, the Senior Superintendent of Police in Haridwar, these businesses are now required to prominently display specific information about their owners.
The ruling party in Uttar Pradesh has defended the directive, saying that it is a measure to ensure transparency and accountability. However, opposition parties argue that it is a thinly veiled attempt to discriminate against Muslim-owned businesses.