Yatra route

Create an atmosphere to polarise voters and this tested angle will bring sure success in coming bye-polls. This is the common trick for the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh. The order to put names on Yatra route shops, stalls, dhabas and others happens to be a sure shot in the way of an economic boycott. 

Terms like halal and humanity have also entered into the naming issue. Of course, the political leaders of different parties spar at this burning point pointedly. It is a confusing controversy while others look at it without any malice. 

This is relatively a bone of contention among the political parties. One does not welcome this order while another feels no gaps in this recent directive for Shravan foot faithfuls. 

Due to a much-publicised order from the BJP administration in Uttar Pradesh, owners and operators of food stores and restaurants & stalls along the Kanwar Yatra route are bound to put their names on the displayed signboards. 

They have even strictly abided by this particular order. They can not escape it. To uphold the sanctity of the pilgrims' beliefs, the CM declared that beverage outlets would also be subject to the rules. 

"Humanity has to continue," he declared. In a TV debate, one lady anchor detailed spittle and bobble at ample length. 

A warning that sellers of halal-certified goods will face consequences was also included in the decree. 

Political leaders are discussing this very contemporary issue but what about all those whose pockets lack enough currency to buy eatables. There is no break on the prices of vegetables even. None talks of inflationary trends these very uneasy days. It is perhaps for that very reason they take umbrage with the government's attitude in this regard adequately.

They are now grappling with inflation every day or regularly to ask whether it’s that good for our politics. Undeniably, politicians take the trouble of debating on those selected topics that help them win the elections. 

One famous senior news reporter pointed out how the route shops naming furore impacts certain seats in the state where elections are due to be announced. Does this not have anything to do with the polls' excitement this year?