All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the ongoing “I Love Mohammad” controversy, questioning why such posters are considered problematic. His remarks come in the backdrop of violent protests in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, which led to internet suspension, heavy police deployment, and multiple arrests.
Speaking at a public rally in Hyderabad, Owaisi said, “In this country, one can say ‘I love Modi’ but not ‘I love Mohammad’. Where are you taking this nation? If someone says ‘I love Modi’, the media also becomes happy. But if someone says ‘I love Mohammad’, then that becomes an issue.” He asserted that for millions of Indian Muslims, reverence for Prophet Muhammad is integral to their faith and identity.
Government and Law Enforcement Criticism
Owaisi also questioned the government over its laws and handling of minorities. Referring to recent evictions in Assam, he said nearly 3,000 Muslims were left homeless, calling it another failure of governance. He urged his supporters to remain patient, act legally, and not take the law into their own hands, cautioning that laws often work like a “spiderweb” where weaker communities get trapped.
The Bareilly Unrest
The controversy began when people in Bareilly displayed “I Love Mohammad” posters, sparking protests that escalated into clashes with the police after Friday prayers. In response, authorities suspended mobile and broadband internet across four districts for 48 hours, from October 2 to October 4.
The police arrested Ittehad-e-Millat Council (IMC) leader Nafees Khan, his son Farman Khan, along with 79 others, accusing them of conspiracy and incitement. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anurag Arya, Farman managed the IMC’s official Facebook page, which allegedly played a role in mobilising protestors.
