Adityanath accuses SP of 'not allowing' 'Kanwar Yatra' before 2017

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday, while accusing the Samajwadi Party of "not allowing" the "Kanwar Yatra", said he pledged to provide security instead.

Yogi Adityanath made these remarks while inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for 107 development projects valued at over Rs 311 crore in Siddharthnagar.

"In the last four days, three crore 'Kanwar' pilgrims have travelled from Ghaziabad to Haridwar to fetch holy water. The atmosphere, steeped in devotion to Shiv, is truly delightful," Adityanath said.

Before 2017, the Samajwadi Party would not allow the 'Kanwar Yatra' to take place, he said, adding that "We came into power and asked, who can stop the 'Kanwar Yatra' now?"

The 'Kanwar Yatra' would take place with discipline and pride, he said, adding that devotion to Shiva serves as an inspiration for everyone.

"The barriers of caste and creed get dissolved. People move forward, greeting one another with enthusiastic cheers covering a distance of 180 km without a trace of fatigue or tiredness, driven by their devotion to Shiv and their deep dedication to Mahadev.

Adityanath claimed that instead of banning the event like the Samajwadi Party did, he pledged to provide security.

The chief minister also said that in the last nine years, there have been no riots and no curfews.

The annual Kanwar Yatra, which commenced on July 30 with the beginning of the holy month of Shravan, will culminate on August 11 with Shivratri.

Adityanath on Saturday welcomed Kanwariyas in Meerut by showering them with flower petals, and said the devotees of Lord Shiva who are walking hundreds of kilometres present an example of social and national unity.

Adityanath, along with BJP leaders, showered rose petals on the passing Kanwariyas near the Dulhera police outpost in the Modipuram area.