Controversy Erupts Over Display of Shop Owner Names

Several BJP-ruled states in India, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, are mandating shop owners along religious pilgrimage routes like Kanwar Yatra to display their names on signboards to enhance transparency and customer safety. The orders aim to prevent confusion and facilitate redress for dissatisfied customers. However, these directives have faced backlash from opposition leaders like Kapil Sibal, who criticize them as promoting divisive politics and serving political agendas. The controversy has escalated as the Yogi Adityanath government extended the mandate to all shopkeepers, impacting their earnings and drawing criticism even from BJP allies, signaling growing discontent with the decision.