Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday issued a stern warning to those attempting to disrupt or malign the ongoing Kanwar Yatra, stating that strict legal action will follow once the pilgrimage concludes. While addressing Shiva devotees in Meerut, the Chief Minister showered flower petals on the kanwariyas and declared:

“Flowers for kanwariyas, sticks for troublemakers.”

Monitoring Social Media, Action Against Provocative Content

CM Yogi warned that individuals posting provocative or objectionable content on social media aimed at defaming the religious procession will not be spared.

Some are trying to malign this devotion’

Welcoming devotees returning from Haridwar with Ganga water, CM Yogi said the Kanwar Yatra reflects faith and enthusiasm, and the participants, including youth and children, deserve honour and respect. He added that several social groups were assisting with arrangements for the yatra, but warned that some individuals were trying to defame the religious journey. “We must be alert. Some miscreants are using the yatra as cover for creating unrest. They are trying to malign this devotion, even via social media,” he said, urging people to expose such elements.

The chief minister also appealed to kanwariyas to keep roads and rivers clean and be mindful of public convenience. “If someone damages your kanwar, report it to the police. Don’t take the law into your own hands,” he advised.

Government has CCTV evidence, will act post yatra

Reiterating his warning, CM Yogi said the state has CCTV footage of those involved in disruptive activities during the yatra. “Their posters will be displayed, and each one of them will be held accountable under the law,” he said.