Saturday, March 29, 2025
A controversy over a poster reading “I Love Muhammad” has escalated from Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur to several states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand. What began as a minor clash during a religious procession on Barawafat has now turned into a wider political and communal issue. Police have registered cases against more than 24 people, though officials clarified that the FIR was not about the slogan itself but about starting a “new tradition.”
The dispute started on September 4, when a video from Kanpur went viral showing a poster that read “I Love Muhammad”. During the Barawafat procession, some participants allegedly set up a tent in a new location and displayed the poster, which police said violated rules prohibiting new practices during processions. This led to arguments and a scuffle between two groups.
Police quickly intervened, restored order, and asked organizers to stick to the old route and location for banners. Both Hindu and Muslim groups accused each other of tearing religious posters and boards. On September 9, Kanpur police registered an FIR against more than two dozen people—9 named and 15 unidentified—under charges of disturbing communal harmony by attempting to introduce a new practice.
The controversy gained momentum after AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi reacted on September 15. He said on social media: “Saying ‘I Love Muhammad’ is not a crime. If it is, I am ready to face any punishment.” He also shared a post claiming police action was against Muslims for starting a “new tradition.”
Soon after, Samajwadi Party leaders and others weighed in, amplifying the debate. Demonstrations spread to Mumbai, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand, where people carried “I Love Muhammad” posters in protest.
In several rallies, the protests took a radical turn when some groups raised inflammatory slogans like “Sar tan se juda” (beheading threats). This further fueled communal tensions, prompting police to step up security measures in sensitive areas ahead of upcoming festivals such as Navratri.
