Former Union Minister and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi recently joined BJP allies and opposition leaders in criticizing a police order in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. The order directed shops and carts along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners. In a post on X, Naqvi commented: “Some hasty orders from overzealous officials may create problems and promote untouchability. Faith must be respected, but untouchability should not be encouraged.” He later shared a photo of himself participating in the Kanwar Yatra, asserting that he needed no lectures on respect and faith.

Naqvi, a Rajya Sabha MP from 2002 to 2022 and a Lok Sabha MP from UP before that, also served as Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) and Minister for Minority Affairs in the first two Narendra Modi governments. He spoke with The Indian Express about the controversial order, which is now being implemented along the Kanwar Yatra route and in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, as well as the BJP’s performance in recent Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh and other Hindi heartland states. Excerpts from the interview:

Q: The BJP won 33 of the 80 parliamentary seats in UP this time, down from 62 in 2019 and 71 in 2014. Why did the party underperform? A: The BJP has faced challenges in the past, such as in the 1999 and 2004 elections, but rebounded in 2014 and 2019. The recent results were below our expectations, but securing over 40% of the vote is still a positive sign for the party.

Q: Why do you think the party underperformed? A: We need to assess the results. Each result provides lessons and messages that we must understand. It’s important for us to come together and not assign blame.

Q: Why did the BJP underperform in other Hindi heartland states as well? A: I’ve been involved in the party’s campaign management for over two decades. This is the third time a government has been formed without Congress’s support. Given the context, this performance is commendable.

Q: The BJP now has crucial allies like JD(U) and TDP, who have expressed disagreements with government decisions. Is this NDA government different from previous ones under PM Modi? A: In 2014, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the BJP won over 280 seats and worked with allies. The same happened after 2019 with around 300 seats. The BJP has a history of working with allies, unlike Congress, which often creates problems for its partners.

Q: Your social media post criticized the Muzaffarnagar police’s order requiring the display of names of owners of eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route. What are your thoughts now? A: The directive was from the district administration and caused confusion. I’m pleased the state government has issued a comprehensive guideline for the Kanwar Yatra route. These guidelines aim to ensure the safety and purity of the yatra. No communal confusion should arise from this. Safety and security are a collective responsibility.

Q: You suggested that the order might promote untouchability. Why? A: The initial guidelines were hastily implemented and faced criticism both nationally and internationally. It appeared inappropriate. However, the state government corrected this, and the order is now for all communities, not just one. The confusion has been resolved.

Q: The police in Haridwar have issued a similar order. What is your stance? A: Regardless of whether it’s the Kanwar Yatra or any other religious event, people from all communities participate. The state government is responsible for maintaining law and order and harmony. Thus, the government’s orders should be respected.