SP Leader Slams Yogi Govt Over Liquor Sale On Kanwar Yatra Route: 'If Meat Shops Are Shut Then...'

Former Samajwadi Party MP ST Hasan has sharply criticised the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government over the continued sale of liquor along the Kanwar Yatra routes during the holy month of Sawan.

The former SP MP demanded that if meat shops are being shut along the yatra routes, then liquor sales should also face a complete ban.

“Liquor is as much a culprit as meat. Both violate the sanctity of the Kanwar Yatra,” Hasan declared, speaking to reporters.

He argued that while the government has ordered the closure of meat shops during the pilgrimage, liquor shops have merely been allowed to operate behind curtains. Terming this decision “unequal and discriminatory,” he accused the government of disregarding public interest in favour of revenue collection.

He further contended that Hindu devotees refrain from consuming alcohol during the sacred month of Sawan, viewing it as impure for religious rituals. Yet, the government continues to permit liquor sales due to the significant revenue it generates.

Hasan posed a pointed question: “Does the government earn all its revenue solely from liquor sales on the Kanwar routes? If meat shops can be closed, why not liquor shops as well?”

Demands Equal Treatment 

The SP leader went on to argue that if liquor shops are permitted to operate behind curtains, then the same should apply to meat shops and non-vegetarian restaurants. He stressed that poor people depend on these businesses for their livelihoods and that closing them down is unjust.

“There should either be a complete ban on both, or both should be allowed to operate discreetly behind curtains,” he insisted.

The former MP accused the government of engaging in religious discrimination under the guise of protecting religious sentiments. “The government is promoting liquor sales for revenue, but is ignoring the sanctity of the Kanwar Yatra and the religious feelings of devotees,” he said.

He added, “Liquor, too, disrupts the purity of the Kanwar Yatra. The government should prioritise religion and public welfare over revenue.”

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