New Delhi [India], July 9 : Congress MP Imran Masood on Wednesday accused the Uttar Pradesh government of propagating "hatred and dividing people" amid the ongoing controversy over displaying shop owners' information along the Kanwar route.
Speaking to ANI, Masood questioned the Yogi Adityanath government's move, asking whether they would install QR codes for job opportunities.
"Will they install QR codes for job opportunities as well?... By installing QR codes at festivals, they are propagating hatred and dividing people. Where do they want to take the country? Unemployment is a big issue, but they don't want to talk about it," the Congress MP said.
The Uttar Pradesh administration held an interstate meeting with Haryana officials on Tuesday to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims during the Kanwar Yatra. The administration launched QR codes to enhance transparency and accountability at food stalls and dhabas on the Kanwar route.
The meeting was attended by the UP Director General of Police, Chief Secretary, and top officers from both states to coordinate efforts for the smooth and secure conduct of the pilgrimage.
As part of the safety drive, the Food and Logistics Department inspected several shops and food outlets along the Faizabad Road route in Lucknow. Officials destroyed expired food products on the spot and warned vendors against selling substandard items.
Pilgrims will now be able to scan the codes and give feedback on food quality using a mobile application.
Earlier on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the preparations for the Kanwar Yatra. He conducted a comprehensive aerial survey of the entire Yatra route from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad to Bijnor.
During the inspection, he issued clear and strict instructions to officials to ensure seamless arrangements, security of devotees, and full respect for their religious sentiments.
The directive from the UP government ignited criticism from the opposition parties, including Congress and AIMIM (All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen).
Congress National Spokesperson Shama Mohamed said that this is an attempt to divert attention. She also mentioned that these things should never be allowed.
"This happens when you have no development and employment. You have to divert attention. You bring this out again to show this is a Muslim shop, this is a Hindu shop. So these things should never be allowed. I'm very proud of Rahul Gandhi, who stands for everyone...," said Shama Mohamed.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also slammed the UP government over its directive.
"There are many hotels near the Muzaffarnagar bypass. These hotels have been there for years. Didn't the Kanwar Yatra start here 10 years ago? The Kanwar Yatra used to start peacefully. There was no unrest there. Why is all this happening now? Now, they are asking for Aadhaar cards from hoteliers. They are making shopkeepers remove their pants," he said.
The Yatra is scheduled to get underway from June 10. In the Kanwar Yatra procession, Kanwariyas collect water from a river and carry it hundreds of kilometres to offer it to the shrines of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu beliefs, Parshuram, a devotee of Shiva and Lord Vishnu's avatar, participated in the initial procession. Devotees across the country perform worship, fasting and pilgrimage dedicated to the Lord Shiva.