CM Yogi Adityanath: Maintain Discipline During Kanwar Yatra, Avoid Any Hooliganism

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued a strong appeal to Kanwariyas to maintain strict discipline, patience, and dignity throughout the duration of the Kanwar Yatra. Addressing a significant public gathering in Shamli on Friday, the Chief Minister emphasized that the sacredness of the pilgrimage must be preserved at all costs. He cautioned that even minor incidents of hooliganism or indiscipline could provide an opportunity for opponents to tarnish the reputation of the Yatra and the devotees. CM Yogi urged the various Kanwar associations to take responsibility for ensuring a peaceful and orderly journey for all participants.

The Call for Dignity and Devotion

During his address, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that patience and discipline are the greatest assets in a person's life, while he specifically mentioned that there should be no ruckus over small issues during the pilgrimage. "I humbly appeal to all Kanwar associations to remember that we're all descendants of Shri Ram, followers of Shri Krishna, and devotees of Bhole Shankar. We must all keep this in mind. The dignity of Ram, the divine plays of Krishna, and the harmony and vitality of Shankar always inspire us to move forward," the Chief Minister stated. He reminded the devotees that while the government is committed to their safety and support, they must also understand the importance of maintaining decorum.

Warning Against Political Exploitation

The Chief Minister warned that any act of indiscipline would be closely watched and recorded by those who oppose the Yatra, while he noted that such incidents would be used to create pressure and attempt to influence the Kanwar Yatra negatively, as has happened in the past. He reassured the devotees that the double-engine government is providing all necessary cooperation, including security and facilities, to make their devotion a reality. He mentioned that the government honors their faith by showering flower petals, but emphasized that the devotees must reciprocate by adhering to the rules of the pilgrimage.

Context of the Appeal and Political Critique

This appeal comes shortly after a video of a ruckus during the Kanwar Yatra in Muzaffarnagar went viral on social media. CM Yogi Adityanath also took the opportunity to criticize the opposition parties. He claimed that those who are now advocating for faith were the same people who, before 2017, would use force against those chanting 'Jai Shri Ram'. He alleged that previous administrations restricted the Kanwar Yatra, stopped Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, and prevented Ram Navami processions while allowing the illegal occupation of religious properties.

Development Projects for Western Uttar Pradesh

In addition to his message for the Kanwariyas, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth 581 crore in Shamli. This is part of a broader developmental push for Western Uttar Pradesh, where the Chief Minister is launching a total of 255 projects worth 2452 crore. These projects are set to benefit various assembly constituencies in Shamli, Bijnor, and Ghaziabad. CM Yogi stated that these initiatives would provide a new momentum to the progress of the region and strengthen the vision of a 'Developed Uttar Pradesh'. He also mentioned that the government is fulfilling the dreams that Chaudhary Charan Singh had for the farmers and youth of the region.