The phrase “I Love Muhammad” has triggered a wave of protests, police action, and political debates across several states in India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. What began as a poster during a religious procession has now grown into a nationwide controversy, leading to violent clashes, mass arrests, and counter-campaigns. Nera News explains what the controversy is about, why it escalated, and the impact it is having on law and order in the state.
Origin of the ‘I Love Muhammad’ Campaign
The controversy began on September 4, 2025, during the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. A banner with “I Love Muhammad” written on it was displayed at a tent along the route of the procession.
Local Hindu groups objected, claiming the poster was deliberately placed at a spot where Hindu festivals like Ram Navami are usually celebrated. The incident sparked tension between communities, with both sides accusing each other of provocation.
Spread of Protests Across UP and Other States
What started in Kanpur soon spread to other districts:
- In Bareilly, protests intensified after cleric Tauqeer Raza, chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, posted a video in support of the campaign. Thousands gathered outside his house, leading to stone-pelting and a police lathi charge. Raza and seven others were arrested, while over 40 people were detained. A case has been registered against 1,700 unidentified individuals for rioting and attacking police.
- In Mau, clashes broke out after Friday prayers when protesters pelted stones at police.
- In Unnao, Maharajganj, Lucknow, and Kaushambi, smaller demonstrations turned violent, forcing security forces to step in.
Beyond Uttar Pradesh, unrest spread to other states:
- In Gujarat’s Gandhinagar, members of a minority community damaged shops and vehicles.
- In Karnataka’s Davangere, posters led to clashes and stone-pelting between two groups.
Violence and Police Action
The protests have often turned violent, with incidents of stone-pelting, arson, and assaults on police personnel. Officials confirmed that at least 10 policemen were injured in Bareilly alone. In many places, police resorted to lathi charges and heavy deployment to control mobs.
Senior state officials have directed district administrations to take “stern action” against anyone disrupting peace.
Counter-Campaign: ‘I Love Mahadev’
As tensions escalated, a counter-response emerged in Varanasi and other parts of Uttar Pradesh. Hindu religious leaders launched the “I Love Mahadev” campaign, describing it as a reaction to what they considered provocative displays. Placards with “I Love Mahadev” were seen during local protests, symbolizing the rising polarisation.
Why Has It Become So Sensitive?
The controversy touches on several fault lines:
- Religious Sentiments: Muslims see the slogan as a peaceful expression of devotion to the Prophet, while some Hindus view its placement as a deliberate provocation.
- Symbolic Spaces: The dispute over where posters are displayed highlights deeper communal tensions over public spaces used for festivals.
- Social Media Amplification: The hashtag #ILoveMuhammad quickly trended online, spreading beyond local boundaries and fueling further unrest.
Political and Administrative Response
The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered strict policing in sensitive areas and filed mass FIRs against unidentified protesters. Political leaders have appealed for calm but also accused each other of fueling divisions.
Nationally, the controversy has reignited debates over religious freedom, community sensitivities, and the role of public demonstrations in maintaining peace.
The ‘I Love Muhammad’ Controversy
What started as a religious slogan has snowballed into a statewide law-and-order challenge in Uttar Pradesh, with ripple effects across India. The arrests of cleric Tauqeer Raza and others show the government’s hard stance against protests turning violent. At the same time, the rise of the ‘I Love Mahadev’ counter-campaign highlights the risk of deepening communal divides.
As of now, the situation remains tense, and the coming weeks will determine whether dialogue and restraint can replace confrontation on the streets.
