Owaisi Slams Govt Over 'I Love Muhammad' Poster Row, Questions Police Accountability

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has sharply criticized the government over the ongoing “I Love Muhammad” controversy that sparked violent protests in Bareilly last week. Addressing a gathering in Hyderabad, Owaisi said that in India, people can freely say “I love Modi,” but not “I love Muhammad.” He accused the authorities of creating unnecessary divisions and questioned the direction in which the nation is being taken.

The controversy emerged after posters reading “I Love Muhammad” led to protests in Bareilly following Friday prayers. The demonstrations spiraled into violence, with stone-pelting injuring several police personnel and prompting a lathicharge. To maintain order ahead of Dussehra and Friday prayers, internet services were suspended in four districts of the Bareilly division, while heavy security deployment continued in sensitive areas.

Speaking on the situation, Owaisi alleged bias in how sentiments are treated. “If someone says they love Modi, the media is happy. But if someone says ‘I love Muhammad,’ there’s instant objection. If I am a Muslim, it is because of Muhammad,” he said, while urging people not to resort to violence or take matters into their own hands.

Owaisi also raised questions about police conduct, citing video clips from Bareilly that, according to him, clearly show police lathi-charging protesters. “Are the police answerable only to the government? Apart from them, do they not have responsibility to the people of this country?” he asked, also criticizing reports of shopkeepers showering police with flowers during the unrest.

He further defended the posters, saying that when Prophet Muhammad’s name is used publicly, it must be treated with respect. “No one else is named Muhammad apart from him. If you display his posters, you must also honor him,” he added.

Owaisi’s remarks come amid continuing protests in Ladakh, Sambhal, and elsewhere where religious and political tensions are on the rise, with opposition leaders accusing the government of selectively applying law and order.