“I Love Muhammad” Poster Row Escalates Across India
Stone-pelting clash in Karnataka town quelled in minutes amid poster dispute between communities
Communal tensions flared in Karnataka’s Davangere district on the night of September 24 after posters with the message “I Love Muhammad” appeared in Karl Marx Nagar. The incident led to stone-pelting between members of two communities and a brief stand-off over the removal of the banners. Davangere Superintendent of Police Uma Prashnath said police arrived immediately, dispersed the crowds within five minutes, and removed the banners, restoring peace in the area.
The controversy, which began in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on September 4, has now spread to Uttarakhand, Telangana, Maharashtra, and other parts of the country. Amid the escalating debate, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane shared a counter-poster reading “I Love Mahadev” on X (formerly Twitter). In Mumbai, Muslim clerics submitted a memorandum at Malvani police station demanding withdrawal of FIRs filed by Kanpur police, claiming the cases were unjustified and urging protection of religious sentiments.
Counter Campaign and Broader Impact
In response to the “I Love Muhammad” controversy, religious leaders in Varanasi organized a counter-movement with placards reading “I Love Mahadev.” The campaign gained momentum online, with widespread support on social media. Nitesh Rane’s post further amplified the debate, highlighting how the row has evolved into a nationwide issue.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation. The poster row has sparked broader discussions on freedom of expression, religious sentiments, and communal harmony in India. While some consider the displays devotional, others view them as provocative, prompting heightened vigilance by police and civic authorities across multiple states.
Origins of the Row
The row originated during the Barawafat (Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi) procession in Kanpur, where local youths carried green flags and banners reading “I Love Muhammad,” distributed sweets, and sang naats. By evening, similar banners appeared across Beconganj and Anwarganj. While locals maintained that the intent was devotional, Hindu groups objected, claiming a “new tradition” was being introduced in spaces traditionally used for Barawafat celebrations.
Tensions escalated when police removed some banners, citing lack of permission. Videos on social media showed heated arguments and minor scuffles, with crowds demanding the banners be restored. Police detained ten people while dispersing the crowds. Similar incidents occurred in Bareilly, where authorities stopped a group from hoisting a large “I Love Muhammad” banner near Dargah Ala Hazrat to prevent congestion during Friday prayers.
On September 9, Kanpur police filed cases against 24 individuals (9 named, 15 unknown) for allegedly disturbing communal harmony. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi defended the banners as an expression of devotion, while Kanpur Police Commissioner Ramkrishan Yadav emphasized that police action aimed at maintaining public order, not offending religious sentiments.
