Government Responds to ‘Name Plate’ Controversy During Kanwar Yatra: “Peace, Security and Transparency Are Our Priorities”

Lucknow (UP): Amid the controversy surrounding the mandatory display of ‘name plates’ during the Kanwar Yatra in Uttar Pradesh, senior ministers of the state government have hit back at the opposition and clarified that the move is aimed solely at ensuring the safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, targeting the Samajwadi Party, said,
“Leaders of the Samajwadi Party are making baseless and irresponsible statements, which are highly condemnable. Our commitment is to ensure an organised, safe, and peaceful Kanwar Yatra in the state. Every buyer has the right to know who they are buying from, and it is the seller’s duty to display their identity. This kind of political rhetoric will not be accepted by the people of Uttar Pradesh. We are fully committed to maintaining law and order.”

Union Minister S.P. Singh Baghel also backed the government’s decision, stating,
“The precautions being taken during the Kanwar Yatra are in the interest of the pilgrims and the public at large. The government has taken this step to prevent any untoward incidents.”

Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh echoed the same sentiment and said,
“The Kanwar Yatra will be completed peacefully and in accordance with tradition. If a person is not involved in any suspicious activity, then there should be no hesitation in revealing their identity. No one should have an issue with this.”

The government made it clear that the ‘name plate’ initiative is aimed at transparency and public safety, not at targeting any specific community. Authorities have made extensive arrangements to ensure the security of pilgrims and have firmly stated that any attempt to disrupt religious harmony will not be tolerated.