Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut has strongly criticized the BJP over a recent government order in Uttar Pradesh mandating shopkeepers to display nameplates identifying the owner's name at food and beverage stalls along the Kanwar Yatra route, accusing the BJP of attempting to divide the country along caste and religious lines.
Raut, speaking to reporters in Mumbai, emphasized that the Shiv Sena (UBT) remains dedicated to its Hindutva ideals but does not support societal divisions. He questioned the BJP's motives, suggesting that the ruling party aims to create discord rather than foster unity. Raut expressed concerns that such policies would harm the nation's unity rather than benefit it, warning that the BJP's strategy might backfire.
Highlighting the Shiv Sena's long-standing commitment to Hindutva, Raut mentioned that his party has a proud history of championing these ideals. However, he stressed the need to move beyond divisive politics centred on religious and nationalistic rhetoric. According to Raut, the focus should be on more significant issues rather than perpetuating a Hindu-Muslim or India-Pakistan narrative.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP also criticized the BJP's coalition partners, calling them "slaves of power" and questioning their support for the BJP's policies. He specifically named Nitish Kumar, Chandrababu Naidu, and Chirag Paswan, urging them to take a stand against what he described as divisive tactics. Raut challenged these leaders to demonstrate their courage by opposing the BJP's approach, which he believes undermines social cohesion.
Raut's comments came in the wake of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's directive that requires all food and beverage shops along Kanwar routes to display the operator's name and identity.
The UP government announced actions against those selling halal-certified products in these areas, further intensifying the political debate.
This directive has led to a political slugfest between the BJP and the opposition, with Raut predicting that the BJP's divisive policies would ultimately lead to electoral defeats. He pointed out that the BJP had previously suffered losses in the Lok Sabha elections and suggested that the public would not support a party that promotes division.