Those who label Kanwariyas as miscreants also alienated tribal communities, says U.P. CM Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday (July 18, 2025) in Varanasi alleged that the Kanwar Yatra is being deliberately defamed and its participants, the Kanwariyas, are being labelled as goons by elements who want to humiliate the heritage of India. Mr. Adityanath, who was speaking at a seminar on Tribal icon Birsa Munda, added that those who seek to defame the Kanwar Yatris are the same people who tried to separate the tribal community from India. 

“They conspired at every level to make them fight against India. This is the same community that always insults the faith of India and these are the same people who today want to create a situation of caste conflict by creating fake accounts on social media platforms,” said Mr. Adityanath emphasizing that the Kanwar Yatra embodies unity transcending caste, creed, and sect. “Today, the Yatra is progressing peacefully and with devotion, yet some label it as unruly. These are the same forces that try to mislead and provoke tribal communities. We must remain alert to such divisive elements,” he added. 

Mr. Adityanath cautioned people from anti-social elements who attempt to fuel caste and communal tensions. “A few years ago, there was a case of arson. I had remarked then that such an act likely didn’t belong to any particular community. The investigation later confirmed that the person involved was wearing a saffron scarf but was shouting ‘Ya Allah’. These deceptive individuals must be exposed and excluded from society if we are to protect national unity,” said the U.P. CM, recalling an incident of a few years ago, adding the same forces who spread caste-based hatred online had also tried to provoke tribal communities against the nation. “Such elements must face strict action,” he asserted.

Praising the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day), Mr. Adityanath hailed the decision as something which installed a sense of respect and recognition in tribal communities. “Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is a gesture of gratitude and a bridge of communication with them,” he said.