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Speaking in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged Kanwar pilgrims to maintain discipline
July 17, 2026: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday appealed to Kanwariyas to uphold Lord Ram’s ‘maryada’ (dignity), Lord Krishna’s values, and Lord Shiva’s simplicity during the upcoming Kanwar Yatra. Speaking at the inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony of 89 development projects worth over ₹581 crore in Shamli, he said the government was committed to ensuring a peaceful pilgrimage and that the administration and security forces were working to support devotees. He also warned that anti-social elements attempting to create disturbances should be isolated to protect the sanctity of the yatra.
The Chief Minister said the Kanwar Yatra, scheduled from July 30 to August 11, would continue to receive full government support. During the pilgrimage, devotees of Lord Shiva collect holy water from the Ganga in Haridwar and carry it on foot to offer at Shiva temples across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Adityanath stressed that devotees should avoid unruly behaviour and maintain discipline throughout the religious procession.
Targeting the Congress and Samajwadi Party, Adityanath accused them of divisive politics and claimed that law and order, employment opportunities, and religious freedom had improved since the BJP came to power in 2017. He also alleged that a pre-2017 “job syndicate” had deprived deserving candidates of government employment, asserting that recruitment is now being conducted transparently. Highlighting development and investment in the state, he said improved security has helped create a better environment for both citizens and investors.