Vikarabad (Telangana): The AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi said on Saturday that the recent order of the Uttar Pradesh government asking business owners to display their names during the Kanwar Yatra reminded him of Hitler's Germany in 1930.
Addressing a public gathering in Kodangal in Vikarabad, Owaisi said, "The rule made by the Uttar Pradesh police reminds us of Hitler's Germany in 1930. Hitler had asked the Jews to display the Star of David on their right hand (to identify them as Jews and isolate them from society). Then Hitler ordered that no one would do business with the Jews. That they would be boycotted".
"This decision of the UP government brings back to mind that order of Hitler, "the Hyderabad MP said.
Owaisi stated that Article 17 of the Constitution says that no one would promote untouchability.
He also referred to the Supreme Court order that blocked the move, following outrage over the directive.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court extended its interim order on Friday, staying directives issued by the authorities of certain state governments that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route should display the names of the owners outside such shops.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, told the bench that the regulations under the Central Law Food and Safety Standards Act, 2006, require that every food seller, including 'dhabas', must display the names of the owners.
The bench said there is no restriction on shops or eateries voluntarily displaying the names of their owners and employees outside their eateries but they cannot be forced.
Last week, the Uttar Pradesh government asked the food and beverage shops along Kanwar Yatra routes to display the name and identity of the operator/owner of their establishments.
Devotees across the nation began their Kanwar Yatra on July 22, on the occasion of the first Monday of 'Sawan'.
Haridwar saw an influx of pilgrims, prompting enhanced security arrangements. The area has been divided into 14 superzones, 35 zones, and 132 sectors for better management.
This sacred month, typically falling between July and August, marks a period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage dedicated to the deity of destruction and transformation.
—ANI