Kangana Ranaut Challenges Sonu Sood on Kanwar Yatra Directive
On Friday, actor Sonu Sood shared his perspective on the Uttar Pradesh government’s recent directive, which mandates that food establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route disclose their proprietors’ identities. “Humanity” should be the primary name on store nameplates, as Sonu suggested. On X (formerly known as Twitter), he declared, “There should be only one nameplate on every shop: ‘HUMANITY’.” This comment was widely interpreted as a criticism of the government’s order, which prompted a significant response.
Kangana Ranaut’s Response
Kangana Ranaut, a BJP MP and actress, responded to Sonu’s post with her own perspective. Despite her agreement with the sentiment, she suggested that the term “Halal” be substituted with “HUMANITY,” emphasizing that human values should be prioritized over religious or cultural identities. She stated, “I concur that ‘HUMANITY’ should replace ‘Halal.'”
Background of the Controversy
The controversy was initiated by the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive, which required all shops and eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their proprietors. The government is dedicated to maintaining transparency and accountability during the Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage for Lord Shiva devotees. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the importance of this directive in safeguarding the sanctity of the devotees’ faith. The government’s announcement that it would prosecute individuals who sell halal-certified products along the route served to further exacerbate the debate.
Public Reactions
Notable figures have provided commentary on the matter. In his critique of the administration, Javed Akhtar, a seasoned screenwriter and lyricist, drew comparisons to Nazi Germany. He made the following statement: “The Muzaffarnagar UP police have issued instructions that the name of the owner must be clearly and prominently displayed in all shops, restaurants, and vehicles along the route of a specific religious procession.” For what reason? In Nazi Germany, specific enterprises and residences were designated.
Political Consequences
The directive has stirred up a political dispute between the BJP and the opposition. Detractors argue that the edict exacerbates religious tensions and targets specific communities, while supporters argue that it promotes transparency and honors the pilgrims’ faith. The UP government’s decision to require ID cards for all establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route is perceived as a measure to ensure accountability by some, while others view it as discriminatory.
