A letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeks restrictions on Muslim shopkeepers; Muslim groups and activists strongly object to the proposal
NEW DELHI — A fresh controversy has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh after a Hindutva-linked religious organisation demanded a ban on Muslim traders and shopkeepers from participating in the upcoming Adhik Maas fair in Govardhan, Mathura.
The demand was made by Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas president Pandit Dinesh Falahari Maharaj, who wrote a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seeking restrictions on Muslim vendors during the month-long religious gathering held at the foothills of Govardhan hill.
The letter has triggered sharp reactions from Muslim groups, civil rights activists and local traders, who described the demand as discriminatory and harmful to communal harmony.
Govardhan, one of the most important pilgrimage centres linked to Lord Krishna, attracts lakhs of devotees from across India during the Adhik Maas fair. The event also supports the livelihood of hundreds of local traders, food stall owners, flower sellers and small business families.
In his letter, Falahari Maharaj alleged that Muslim traders enter the fair by “changing their identity and appearance” and claimed that some individuals become involved in businesses related to food stalls, prasad shops and flower garlands.
He further alleged that such participation hurts Hindu religious sentiments. The letter also repeated controversial claims such as “thook jihad” and raised fears of “love jihad” and possible security threats at the fair.
The religious leader demanded that only “Sanatani” traders should be allowed to conduct business during the fair and that identity verification of all vendors should be made compulsory.
The letter stated, “The fair should remain pure, peaceful and secure. People from other communities should not be allowed to interfere in the religious traditions of Sanatan Dharma.”
The remarks have led to concern among members of the Muslim community in Mathura and nearby districts, many of whom have been involved in seasonal trade activities in fairs and religious gatherings for generations.
Several Muslim traders said the demand was unfair and targeted an entire community without evidence.
A local Muslim shopkeeper from Mathura said, “We have been working in fairs and markets for many years. We earn our livelihood honestly. Suddenly calling us infiltrators or accusing us without proof is deeply hurtful.”
Another trader said, “Business and daily work should not be divided based on religion. Poor families from every community depend on these fairs to survive.”
Social activists and opposition voices also criticised the language used in the letter and warned that such demands could increase social tension.
A local rights activist said, “This kind of appeal creates fear and mistrust between communities. India’s Constitution gives every citizen equal rights to work and do business.”
Some residents of Mathura also questioned why ordinary traders were being linked with serious allegations without any investigation.
One resident said, “If there is any security concern, authorities can check everyone equally. Targeting only Muslims sends a wrong message.”
Legal experts pointed out that public fairs organised under government oversight generally cannot exclude citizens solely based on religion.
An advocate practising in western Uttar Pradesh said, “Any restriction based only on religious identity can face constitutional questions. The administration must act carefully and fairly.”
At the same time, supporters of the proposal defended the demand, saying religious events connected with Hindu beliefs should remain under the control of Hindu organisers.
A supporter of the move said, “Devotees come with faith and emotions. Organisers have the right to seek arrangements they believe protect religious traditions.”
The controversy comes at a time when debates around halal food, shop ownership, identity checks and participation of Muslim traders in Hindu religious events have become more common in several parts of northern India.
In recent years, right-wing groups in different states have raised objections to Muslim traders operating near temples, Kanwar Yatras and Hindu fairs. Critics argue that these campaigns economically isolate Muslims and damage centuries-old traditions of shared marketplaces and local cooperation.
Historians and social observers point out that religious fairs in India have long involved participation from different communities, including Muslims who sold food, utensils, flowers, clothes and household goods at Hindu festivals.
A retired professor from Aligarh said, “India’s fairs and festivals were traditionally shared public spaces where people from different religions worked together. Attempts to remove one community from economic activity are socially dangerous.”
Muslim organisations have also appealed to the administration not to allow communal pressure to influence official decisions.
A representative of a local Muslim body said, “If any individual breaks the law, action should be taken against that person. But an entire community should not be treated as suspicious.”
So far, there has been no official response from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s office regarding the demands made in the letter.
District officials have also not announced any new policy related to vendor restrictions at the fair. However, the issue has already created a strong debate across social media and political circles in Uttar Pradesh.
Many observers believe the administration’s next step will be closely watched, especially because the matter involves questions of religious freedom, equal citizenship, business rights and communal harmony.
