‘Why Should Rahman…’: Baba Ramdev Supports Uttar Pradesh Govt’s Kanwar Yatra Order

Baba Ramdev, came forward on Sunday to voice his support for the initiative taken by the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The decision compels all shop owners established along the route of the Kanwar Yatra pilgrimage to put up noticeable displays of their own names.

Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday supported the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government and the Uttarakhand government’s recently issued directions to eateries and shopkeepers along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names and mobile numbers. Supporting the orders, Baba Ramdev stated that everyone should be proud of their names. Backing the orders, the yoga guru said that if he, Ramdev, doesn’t have a problem revealing his identity, then ‘Rahman’ should not have issues with it either.

“If Ramdev has no problem in revealing his identity, then why should Rahman have a problem in revealing his identity? Everyone should be proud of their name. There is no need to hide the name, only purity is required in work. If our work is pure, it does not matter if we are Hindu, Muslim or from any other community…” he said.

Ujjain’s Administration’s Recent Order For Shop Owners

Ujjain’s local government has followed in the footsteps of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand; mandating shopkeepers to prominently display shop names. The Mayor, Mukesh Tatwal, declared on Saturday – any non-compliance would result in a Penalty. Starting with a fine of ₹2,000 for the first violation, the charge would ramp up to ₹5,000 for following offences.

“Ujjain is a religious and holy city. People come here with religious aastha (faith). They have the right to know about the shopkeeper whose services they are availing. If a customer is dissatisfied or cheated, knowing the shopkeeper’s details allows them to seek redress,” he said.

Opposition Slammed The Order

Several leaders from the opposing party have voiced their opposition to the Kanwar directive. Asaduddin Owaisi, who leads the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has pointed out that this ruling symbolizes a growing hostility towards the Muslim community in India.
Sanjay Raut, a member of parliament from the Shiv Sena party led by Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray, accuses the BJP of stirring up discord and upsetting the nation’s unity.

“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 said.

Sukanta Majumdar, a prominent BJP personality from West Bengal, has pointed fingers at the Opposition. According to him, they have hoodwinked the entire nation. He furthers alleges that identical announcements were put forward back when Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav were in power.