The Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has opposed the Muzaffarnagar police's advisory asking food stall owners to display their names and said he would “absolutely not support or encourage” any division in the name of caste or religion. In a conversation with PTI editors, Chirag, when asked if he supports the advisory, said, “No, I don't support it.”

The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president said he believes there are two classes in society — the rich and the poor — and people from different castes and religions fall in both categories. “We need to bridge the gap between these two classes. It is the responsibility of every government to work for the poor, which includes all sections of society like Dalits, backward, upper castes and Muslims. Everyone is there. We need to work for them,” Paswan said.

He said, “Whenever there is such division in the name of caste or religion, I do not support or encourage it at all. I do not think any educated youth of my age, irrespective of caste or religion, is affected by such things. Paswan, a 41-year-old Lok Sabha MP, described himself as an educated youth of the 21st century, whose fight is against casteism and communalism. He also held these factors mainly responsible for the backwardness of his home state Bihar. Casteism and communalism have harmed Bihar the most. He said that he has the courage to speak publicly because he does not believe in these things.

Another BJP ally Janata Dal (United) had earlier criticised the advisory, to which the police insisted that it was aimed at ensuring that there is no confusion among 'kanwariyas' (pilgrims who walk the route to offer holy water to Lord Shiva) and that no law and order situation arises. Many leaders, including the BJP at the Centre, have opposed the UP government's decision.

Earlier, the RLD had said that the order asking vendors to display nameplates is absolutely wrong. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the display of the name and identity of the operator/owner at food and beverage shops on the Kanwar routes to maintain the sanctity of the faith of pilgrims. Apart from this, action will be taken against those selling halal-certified products.

The Congress has strongly criticised the directive, calling it an “attack on Indian culture”, which police say is voluntary and aimed at normalising the economic boycott of Muslims.

The BJP, which is in power at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh, has defended the move, claiming that it allows fasting Hindus to dine in purely vegetarian restaurants where they are more likely to be served 'satvik' food.