Muslim Traders in Nashik Village Face Business Ban During Historic Yatra
In Madhi village of Pathardi taluka, Ahilyanagar district, Nashik, a contentious issue has emerged surrounding the 700-year-old annual Kanifnath Yatra. Muslim traders from outside the village have alleged systematic discrimination, claiming that the local gram panchayat has refused to accept their applications for No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) required to conduct business during the religious festival.
Controversial Gramsabha Resolution and Court Intervention
The controversy stems from a February 2025 gramsabha resolution that reportedly sought to restrict Muslim traders from operating during the yatra. However, this resolution was subsequently stayed by the Aurangabad Bench of the Bombay High Court, creating a legal limbo that has left traders in a precarious position.
According to Nasir Shaikh, president of the Congress Pathardi taluka unit, only one application from a Muslim trader was accepted by the gram panchayat, and even that NOC has not been issued. Three other applications were reportedly not accepted at all. Shaikh alleges deliberate obstruction, stating, "The gramsabha decision was nullified by the then block development officer. Still, some members of the Muslim community sought justice from the high court, and the HC too stayed the gramsabha decision. The grampanchayat is now not accepting applications from the Muslim community members at all — in order to not create any record."
Yatra Timeline and Business Impact
The Kanifnath Yatra, which begins on Holi and concludes on Gudhi Padwa, represents a significant economic opportunity for local businesses. This year, the festival runs from March 2 to March 19, with peak participation expected from March 8 onward. Traditionally, this period sees numerous shopkeepers applying for permissions to set up temporary stalls catering to the thousands of pilgrims who attend the centuries-old event.
"This is the time when the shopkeepers apply for the permissions. Therefore, some traders attempted to set up shops in the village during the Yatra. However, they are not being entertained," added Shaikh, highlighting the economic consequences of the alleged discrimination.
Traders' Response and Political Pressure
Faced with these obstacles, some Muslim traders have reportedly decided against attempting to establish stalls altogether. A 36-year-old businessman, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed, "There were several senior politicians who held public gatherings in Madhi, and they warned the members of our community against trying to set up any shop during the Yatra. We have, therefore, decided not to attempt." This statement suggests potential political pressure exacerbating the situation.
Administrative Perspectives and Contradictions
Sanjay Markad, the former sarpanch who now serves as village administrator, defended the gramsabha's actions, stating, "Taking the decision is within the gramsabha's rights. The high court has not scrapped the earlier decision, nor has any other gramsabha of an elected body been held to nullify the earlier decision. We are doing what people want."
However, Dadabhau Gunjal, deputy chief executive officer of Ahilyanagar, presented a contrasting official view. He clarified, "Since the earlier decision was held void by the then BDO, and even the HC ordered stay, there is no order that will allow such discrimination." Gunjal emphasized that no fresh resolution exists on the issue and assured that discrimination based on faith would not be tolerated.
"During our recent meeting, the gramsabha was asked to ensure there is no discrimination on the grounds of faith. People who are seeking permissions need to abide by the local traditions. As of now, I have received no complaint from anybody. If there are any complaints, we will take appropriate action," Gunjal concluded, highlighting the administrative commitment to fairness while acknowledging the need for formal complaints to trigger intervention.
