‘I love Modi allowed, not Mohammad’: Owaisi slams govt over poster row; BJP cites violence in UP

NEW DELHI: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday took a sharp dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ongoing “I Love Mohammad” controversy, questioning why praises for the Prophet attract restrictions while similar slogans for the PM do not.

Speaking against the backdrop of FIRs filed in Uttar Pradesh against individuals who installed “I Love Mohammad” boards during Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi processions, the Hyderabad MP said, “One can say ‘I love Modi,’ but not ‘I love Mohammad.’ Where is the country heading?” PTI quoted him as saying.

Owaisi argued that expressing admiration for Prophet Mohammad should not be a matter of contention. He clarified that he would raise no objection if someone displayed posters in support of Modi, but reaffirmed his faith, stressing: “I am a Muslim who follows Prophet Mohammad.”

The controversy began on September 9, when Kanpur police registered cases against 24 people for putting up “I Love Mohammad” boards on September 4 during a religious procession. Tensions escalated further on September 26 in Bareilly, where clashes broke out between locals and police following Friday prayers after a proposed protest against action over the posters was cancelled. Several injuries were reported in the violence.

BJP Responds
Responding to Owaisi’s remarks, BJP leaders defended the police action in UP, saying it was directed at maintaining law and order rather than targeting religious slogans. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said, “See, whatever action is being taken, it is against the violence. Without any permission, banners were put up and later violence broke out. Videos of stone pelting are available for all to see. Action is against the gunda element involved in the violence.”

The row continues to stir political debate, with tensions still simmering over the intersection of religious expression, law enforcement, and political rhetoric.