MT Desk: Tensions are mounting in Uttar Pradesh over the display of ‘I Love Muhammad’ banners and the ensuing police action against Muslim youths. After violence and lathi charges in Bareilly, police in Ghaziabad have now removed posters praising Prophet Muhammad, reportedly under pressure from Bajrang Dal activists. The incident unfolded in Kidwai Nagar, Adarsh Colony, and Maliknagar, where ‘I Love Muhammad’ posters were put up on streets, house railings, and public spots. Members of Bajrang Dal expressed anger, calling the banners a “conspiracy” to disturb communal harmony.
Led by Bajrang Dal leader Madhur Nehra, activists lodged complaints and confronted senior police officers. They met ACP Amit Saxena, warning that if police failed to act, they would “remove the posters themselves.” Faced with mounting pressure, police teams arrived in the affected areas and began removing all the posters. Residents watched silently as hoardings were torn down.
“We had only expressed our love for Prophet Muhammad. What crime is that?” asked Irfan Malik, a resident of Modinagar. “Posters for Hindu gods and political leaders are put up everywhere without permission. Why are Muslims targeted alone?’ While police removed Muslim posters, Hindu groups launched what they described as a “counter-poster movement.” Banners appeared across Ghaziabad and on social media, carrying slogans such as ‘I Love Yogi,’ ‘I Love Shri Ram,’ ‘I Love Mahadev,’ and even ‘I Love Bulldozers.’
Videos of these posters quickly went viral, with many Muslims accusing authorities of double standards. “This is clear discrimination,” said local social worker Mohammad Rizwan. “When Hindu groups plaster their slogans everywhere, no one dares to touch them. But as soon as Muslims peacefully express devotion to Prophet Muhammad, police rush to remove them.”
Rights groups have pointed out that Hindu religious and political hoardings often go unchecked across Uttar Pradesh. From greetings for Navratri to massive cut-outs of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, permissions are rarely questioned. “The law must be equal for all,” said Advocate Faheem Ansari. “If permission is required, apply it to everyone. Why is enforcement so selective?”
When asked whether permission was taken for the Hindu posters that followed, police officials declined to comment. ACP Amit Saxena confirmed removal of ‘I Love Muhammad’ posters but did not explain why counter-posters were allowed. The silence has only strengthened perceptions of bias.
For now, the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign remains alive in spirit among Ghaziabad’s Muslims, who say they will continue to express their devotion despite fear of action. “No power can stop us from loving our Prophet,” said a determined youth in Maliknagar. “We only ask: is love for Muhammad a crime in India?