Kanwar Yatra : Pilgrims Must Not Be Hurt, Legal Action If Violated: UP Deputy CM

Prayagraj. In a firm message ahead of the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has issued a stern warning to those attempting to disrupt the faith and devotion of pilgrims. Speaking informally to the media in Prayagraj, the Deputy CM emphasized that the government will not tolerate any attempt to hurt the religious sentiments of Kanwariyas.

"The government’s stand is crystal clear—anyone trying to disturb the devotion or religious feelings of Kanwar pilgrims will face strict legal action," Maurya stated. The Kanwar Yatra, a significant religious pilgrimage undertaken by Lord Shiva devotees during the holy month of Shravan, witnesses massive public participation across North India.

When asked about allegations involving Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders in various land encroachment cases, Maurya remarked that the opposition often resorts to baseless accusations whenever action is taken against their wrongdoing. “Whenever illegal encroachments by SP-linked individuals are investigated, they immediately start crying foul,” he said.

Specifically addressing the issue of encroachment by aides of former MP and criminal-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, Maurya warned: “Those who have occupied government land illegally must vacate it immediately. If they fail to do so, the government will not hesitate to act.”

The Deputy CM's statements were made in the presence of several senior BJP leaders and local functionaries. Prominent among those in attendance were Kashi Region Vice President Awadhesh Chandra Gupta, BJP Prayagraj Metropolitan President Sanjay Gupta, Ganga-Paar President Nirmala Paswan, Yamuna-Paar President Rajesh Shukla, Mayor Ganesh Kesarwani, and MLAs Guru Prasad Maurya, Prabha Shankar Pandey, and Rajendra Mishra.

Other notable attendees included Vinod Prajapati, Pramod Modi, Varun Kesarwani, Shailendra Maurya, Rajesh Kesarwani, Vivek Mishra, Media In-Charge Umesh Tiwari, Vijay Patel, Vijay Srivastava, and Arun Patel, along with a large number of party workers.

The Deputy CM’s remarks signal a blend of religious sensitivity and political positioning. By asserting strong action in defense of Kanwar Yatra devotees’ sentiments and simultaneously targeting opposition figures over land encroachments, Maurya aimed to reinforce both administrative firmness and alignment with cultural traditions.