With the Kanwar Yatra set to begin on July 10, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) spokesperson Rakesh Tikait has called for peace, restraint, and communal harmony amid growing controversy over alleged religious profiling along the pilgrimage route.
Speaking from his residence in Muzaffarnagar, Tikait condemned the so-called “identity campaign” being run by certain groups, which allegedly involves marking or identifying shops and individuals based on religion. The issue escalated after a Muslim family was attacked in Haridwar and their vehicle vandalised on the Kanwar route.
“Running an identity campaign is wrong. Instead of targeting people, we should adopt a clear and peaceful approach,” Tikait said.
To prevent unnecessary tension during the Yatra, Tikait proposed a practical solution: veg hotels should display green boards, and non-veg establishments red boards—a system already in use in Nagpur, Maharashtra. He emphasised that this approach is better than dragging religion into the matter.
Tikait stressed that the Kanwar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage and must not be turned into a platform for communal or caste-based conflict. He reiterated the appeal made earlier by Naresh Tikait, who urged Yatra participants to exercise restraint, particularly in regard to the height of DJ trucks and sound levels, which often lead to disruptions.
Mocking the current atmosphere, Tikait said, “Today, anyone who speaks of peace is branded a traitor.” He cited how Naresh Tikait’s earlier peace appeal was distorted, triggering public outrage.
He also recalled the tragic death of a soldier last year during a competitive ‘Dak Kanwar’ procession, warning against the dangers of rivalry-fueled aggression and unchecked enthusiasm during the Yatra.
Commenting further on DJ Kanwar processions, Tikait sarcastically noted the trend of shouting casteist slogans and getting DJ vehicles entangled in overhead electric wires. “If that doesn’t happen, what’s the fun?” he said, highlighting the absurdity and risk involved in such practices.
He urged that instead of nameplate-based identity politics, the focus should be on transparency in food services for pilgrims and respect for all communities. Tikait appealed to local authorities to act against those trying to disturb communal peace and called for unified service to Kanwariyas, irrespective of religion or caste.
“We have always served Kanwar pilgrims with devotion — through community meals and support. But even these efforts face criticism today,” he lamented.
Tikait’s remarks come as a timely reminder to uphold the spirit of unity and protect the sanctity of religious festivals amid increasing politicisation and communal tensions in India.
