Bijnor (UP) | July 9
Uttar Pradesh Minister Raghuraj Singh on Tuesday stirred controversy after questioning why individuals who do not follow the Hindu faith should name their businesses using religious identifiers like “Pandit” or “Vaishno.”
His remarks follow the discovery that an eatery named ‘Pandit Ji Ka Vaishno Dhaba’ in Muzaffarnagar was being run by a Muslim man. One of the staff members, who identified himself as ‘Gopal,’ was later found to have a Muslim name on his Aadhaar card, according to reports.
Don’t misuse religious identity for business” – Minister
Speaking in Nagina, Bijnor district, during a visit to offer condolences to BJP leader Dharmpal Singh, Raghuraj Singh said,
“Those who do not believe in a religion should not name their dhabas or shops after it. It’s misleading and disrespectful.”
Singh, who also serves as Minister of State and Labour Welfare Board Chairman, objected specifically to Muslims running eateries under names associated with Hindu religious customs.
Context: Kanwar Yatra and religious sensitivities
The remarks come in the wake of heightened sensitivities ahead of the annual Kanwar Yatra, where Hindu devotees (Kanwariyas) carry holy water from the Ganga to offer at Shiva temples during the month of Shravan.
In recent years, demands have surfaced — mostly from right-wing groups — calling for non-Hindus to be barred from doing business on Kanwar Yatra routes, citing religious sentiments and safety concerns.
Communal undertone draws mixed reactions
The incident has reignited discussions around religious identity, business transparency, and the ethics of name usage for commercial gain. While some supported Singh’s view, others criticized it as a form of religious discrimination.
