BJP MLA Asha Nautiyal has sparked controversy by calling for restrictions on non-Hindus visiting Kedarnath, a key site in the Char Dham Yatra. Nautiyal raised concerns that activities by non-Hindus at the pilgrimage site were offending Hindu devotees.
“I conducted a meeting with locals, and they informed me that non-Hindus are hurting religious sentiments there,” Nautiyal told PTI. “People from across the world go to worship Baba Kedar, so those people [non-Hindus] should be banned from going there.”
Nautiyal’s comments extend to all four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, suggesting a ban on non-Hindus visiting Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath. The pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on April 30, with Kedarnath’s doors opening on May 2.
The remarks have triggered strong reactions from opposition leaders. Congress state vice president Suryakant Dhasmana accused the BJP of using religious issues to divide society. He criticized the party’s repeated targeting of the Muslim community at religious events such as the Maha Kumbh, Holi, Jumme ki Namaz, and Char Dham Yatra.
“The BJP is trying to stir up religious tensions to divert attention from real issues like unemployment and inflation,” Dhasmana said.
Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat also condemned the BJP for using religion for political gain, asking, “Uttarakhand is a devbhoomi, so how long will you keep attaching everything to religion?” Rawat said that such divisive statements were unnecessary.
In response, BJP Uttarakhand media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan defended Nautiyal’s stance. He argued that her views were aligned with Hindu sentiments and reflected the party’s position.
Chauhan also said that local business owners were concerned about the sale of meat and liquor near Kedarnath, calling these activities inappropriate for such a holy site. He stressed that millions of devotees visit the Char Dham pilgrimage every year, making it an important part of Sanatan Dharma.
