Yoga guru Baba Ramdev. (Press Trust photo)
Ramdev said that everyone should be proud of their name, there is no need for people to hide their names, only purity is required in work
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev on Sunday supported the directions of the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments asking shop owners of food shops on Kanwar route to display their “name plates”.
He told the media: “If Ramdev had no problem revealing his identity, then why did Rahman have a problem revealing his identity?”
He further said that everyone should be proud of their name and there is no need to hide their name and only purity is required in work. “If our work is pure, then it does not matter whether we are Hindus, Muslims or from any other community,” Ramdev added.
On July 18, the Muzaffarnagar district police issued an order regarding the Kanwar Yatra route requiring all restaurants to display the names of their owners in a prominent place outside their premises. The directive aims to avoid confusion during religious processions and ensure transparency.
Preparations for Kanwar Yatra will begin on July 22, and with it new government guidelines.
According to an order issued by the Muzaffarnagar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), restaurant owners along the Kanwar Yatra route must clearly write the name of the shopkeeper on their premises. This requirement applies to restaurants, restaurants and shopping carts and is intended to promote smoother coordination and accountability.
Additionally, liquor and meat shops along the pilgrim route will remain closed and authorities have been instructed to prevent stray animals from blocking pilgrims' paths. Surveillance via CCTV and drones will monitor the entire event to ensure safety measures are in place.
The decision sparked a debate, with criticism from Owaisi, who claimed the measure could prevent Muslims from participating in the pilgrimage. He compared it to “apartheid” in South Africa and the “Jewish boycott” of Hitler's Germany.
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera called the order “state-sponsored bigotry”, while Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said the order was a “social crime” and asked the court to take cognizance of the matter.
