National President of Rashtriya exploited Samaj Party, Swami Prasad Maurya has given a controversial statement about the devotees involved in the Kavad Yatra. He said that these are not kavadis; They are goons, mafia, criminals protected by the government. He claimed that under the guise of Kanwari, they are creating an atmosphere of fear and terror in the entire state by committing crime and atrocities. Swami Prasad Maurya demanded that the government should stop it, otherwise it would have to be accountable.
Also read this: Delhi Traffic Police Advisory | Kavad Yatra Camdenger closed for two days in Delhi
The former minister also said that I believe that there is no sabotage, violence, assault, breaking people’s vehicles or burning. Army soldiers have been beaten in Mirzapur. They are criminals protected by goons, mafia, government. That is why the government does not take action against them and shows flowers on them. This sharp comment has come in the midst of incidents of sabotage and assault on the Kawad Yatra routes in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Incidents of targeting roadside dhabas and stalls have also come to light over dispute over nominees.
Last week, Kanwari in Meerut vandalized a school bus when a school bus was allegedly hit by some of them. In the video that went viral, angry pilgrims are seen climbing in the bus and beating the driver and breaking the glass. In another incident, in a dispute over train tickets at Mirzapur railway station in Uttar Pradesh, Kanwari hit a soldier of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Seven Kanwari has been arrested in this case.
Also read this: Two kanwadis killed, three injured in separate accidents in Muzaffarnagar
Amid several complaints, Uttar Pradesh has banned the carrying sticks, trident, hockey sticks and other similar things during this visit to end on July 23. The administration has also banned the use of motorcycles without silencer to prevent noise pollution and public disturbance. However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come out openly in support of pilgrims and has accused a section of media of incorrectly calling him ‘goons’.
#WATCH | Lucknow: Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party National President, Swami Prasad Maurya says, “…These are not Kanwariyas; they are goons, mafia, criminals protected by the government. In the guise of Kanwariyas, they are creating an environment of fear and terror in the entire… pic.twitter.com/SiY62uqvHK
– years (@ani) July 21, 2025