Mumbai:

Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kangana Ranaut has questioned actor Sonu Sood’s stand on the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive for food shops on the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners’ names.

After Sonu Sood’s post stating that only “humanity” should be displayed on shop nameplates, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut questioned the actor’s stand.

The debate stems from the Uttar Pradesh government order mandating the display of owners’ names on shops and eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route.

Sonu Sood took to X to express his views on the matter, stating, “There should be only one name plate on every shop: “HUMANITY”

There should be only one name plate on every shop : “HUMANITY”

— sonu sood (@SonuSood) July 19, 2024

This statement received backlash from several social media users tagging it as a critique of the government’s directive.

Reacting to Sonu Sood’s stance, Kangana Ranaut said, “Agree, Halal should be replaced with “HUMANITY.”

Agree, Halal should be replaced with ” HUMANITY” https://t.co/EqbGml2Yew

— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) July 19, 2024

Earlier, screenwriter Javed Akhtar also reacted to the ongoing controversy over the incident and strongly criticised the administration.

“Muzaffarnagar UP police has given instructions that on the route of a particular religious procession in near future all the shops restaurants n even vehicles should show the name of the owner prominently and clearly. Why? In Nazi Germany they used to make only a mark on particular shops and houses,” Javed Akhtar posted on X.

On Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mandated that food and beverage shops along Kanwar routes should display the name and identity of the operator/owner to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrims’ faith.

Additionally, action will be taken against those selling halal-certified products. The move by the Uttar Pradesh government to enforce the use of ID Cards by all shops in the state that fall along the Kanwar Yatra route has resulted in a political slugfest between the BJP and the opposition.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Actor Sonu Sood has taken a strong stand against drugs abuse in Punjab. In a video released by the Director General of Punjab Police on X (formerly known as Twitter), the actor urges everyone to help in eradicating drugs abuse from the state.

“Punjab has always been known for its spirited youth. But for quite some time now, I have been observing that people say use of drugs has increased in Punjab. The new generation, our youth, seems to be greatly affected by drugs. Even when I personally visit Moga or various parts of Punjab, I see that many people, especially the youth, are trapped in drug addiction. Due to drugs, crime has increased as they need money to buy it,” Mr Sood says in the video.

He recalls he once ran a campaign to rescue around 280 children who were under the influence of drugs. He says he had also tried to support them in returning to a drug-free life.

“But back then, we [Sonu Sood and his team] couldn’t reach a lot of people who needed help. To help them, the Punjab government, our honourable Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann bhaji (brother), and our DGP Yadav ji have taken an excellent initiative. Their efforts to make Punjab drug-free have been remarkable. I urge everyone to support this cause. Let’s unite and make Punjab a drug-free state. This can only happen when we all come together and support this campaign,” he continues.

“Let’s work together to make Punjab drug-free, and let the land of Punjab be known once again for its youth. I salute the efforts of the Punjab government and the entire police force for their dedication. Keep this initiative going, and together, we will bring Punjab back to the top,” he adds.

The text attached to the clip read, “Thank you, Sonu Sood, for the motivational message. Punjab Police is working tirelessly to break the backbone of drugs. Very soon our collective efforts will help eradicate drugs from Punjab under the vision of chief minister Bhagwant Mann.”

Thank you @SonuSood for the motivational message. @PunjabPoliceInd is working tirelessly to break the backbone of drugs.

Very soon our collective efforts will help eradicate drugs from #Punjab under the vision of CM @BhagwantMann#PunjabFightsDrugspic.twitter.com/SRc7EmdGR6

— DGP Punjab Police (@DGPPunjabPolice) September 3, 2023

Last month, Punjab Police seized 77 kg of heroin from four people allegedly involved in a trans-border drug smuggling racket.