New Delhi: As the annual Kanwar Yatra moves into full swing, an old controversy has once again entered the political spotlight — the role of police personnel in assisting pilgrims. Videos from previous years showing uniformed officers massaging the feet of tired Kanwariyas have triggered a fresh debate, with political leaders divided over whether the gesture reflects humanitarian service and religious sensitivity or crosses the boundaries of official duty and constitutional neutrality.
Talking to IANS, Samajwadi Party Maharashtra chief Abu Azmi questioned what he described as the government’s selective approach towards different communities. Referring to flowers being showered on Kanwar pilgrims and police personnel massaging their feet, Azmi said such gestures contrasted sharply with the treatment meted out to members of another community. He alleged that such practices weaken the country’s unity and social harmony.
The Congress also objected to police personnel performing such acts while on duty. Party spokesperson Surendra Rajput said the videos were inconsistent with police service rules and the spirit of the Constitution. While describing public service to pilgrims as commendable, he maintained that police officers should do so only in their personal capacity and not while wearing the official uniform.
Congress leader Hussain Dalwai echoed similar concerns, saying serving pilgrims is a matter of personal faith but not the responsibility of the police. Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh also said police personnel should avoid such activities in uniform, though he added that humanitarian gestures by individuals should not be viewed negatively.
Defending the practice, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam said there was nothing objectionable about helping Kanwar pilgrims, who undertake long and physically demanding journeys during the holy month of Sawan. He said many devotees walk hundreds of kilometres, often suffering blisters and exhaustion, making such assistance an act of compassion.
Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur questioned the claims that police were massaging pilgrims’ feet, saying he had not personally seen any such videos. He maintained that governments should focus on providing proper facilities such as roads, drinking water and other arrangements for devotees. At the same time, he said serving pilgrims is part of Sanatan tradition and should not be viewed negatively.
AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan linked the controversy to the broader issue of equal treatment under the Constitution.
Waris Pathan questioned what he described as differing standards applied to religious practices, alleging that while Kanwar pilgrims receive official support, Muslims face action for offering prayers in public spaces. He argued that such contrasting responses raise concerns about equality before the law.
(IANS)
