Religious Tensions Rise in Varanasi Over ‘I Love Mahadev’ and ‘I Love Bulldozer’ Posters

Insaaf Times Desk

Amid the controversy over the “I Love Muhammad” campaign in Uttar Pradesh, a group of people waved posters reading “I Love Mahadev,” “I Love Yogi,” and “I Love Bulldozer” during the evening Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat in Varanasi. The incident has heightened religious and political tensions in the state.

The posters were displayed during the evening Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat, a site frequented by locals and tourists. The “I Love Mahadev” posters are being seen as a counter to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign, while the “I Love Bulldozer” posters symbolize Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial “bulldozer policy,” which critics claim targets minority communities and spreads fear.

Similarly, in Lucknow, posters reading “I Love Yogi” and “I Love Bulldozer” were put up. BJP Yuva Morcha leader Amit Tripathi told the media that these posters represent action against corruption and lawbreakers. He denied allegations of communal provocation, presenting it instead as a message about development and discipline.

On the other hand, Samajwadi Party leader S.T. Hasan condemned the posters as provocative. Journalist Sarayu Pani described them as a clear example of religious polarization.

Meanwhile, arrests of several Muslim youths in support of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign have triggered protests and police actions across the state. Civil society groups have criticized these arrests as a violation of constitutional rights and called on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to intervene.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has warned that those attempting to disturb communal harmony through the “I Love Muhammad” campaign will face strict action. He linked the campaign to extremist ideologies like “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” stating that such individuals “will get a ticket to hell.”

Experts emphasize that the issue must be handled with sensitivity and restraint to maintain social harmony and peace in the state.

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