For many Muslims, the message is clear: their rights are conditional, their faith is targeted, and their love for the Prophet is treated as a crime
LUCKNOW – A growing controversy over posters in Uttar Pradesh has raised serious questions about the impartiality of law enforcement. What began in Kanpur during the Eid Milad-un Nabi procession, where Muslim youths displayed banners reading ‘I Love Muhammad’, has now spread across several Indian states.
Police in Kanpur quickly removed the posters, calling them a “new tradition”, and filed cases against Muslim youths. This sparked widespread protests, with processions held in Bareilly, Lucknow and other cities in support of the message. What was essentially a peaceful expression of religious love has soon become a nationwide issue.
“This is not a crime, it is our faith,” said Shadab Ali, a youth from Bareilly who joined the march. “We only said we love our Prophet. For that, we are being treated like criminals.”
In response, BJP leaders and Hindu organisations launched what is being described as a “poster war.” In Rae Bareli, the parliamentary constituency of Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, BJP Yuva Morcha activists put up posters reading “I Love Ram, I Love Yogi Adityanath, and I Love Bulldozer” at key intersections.
Vishnu Pad Singh, BJP Yuva Morcha mandal president, told the media: “We have placed posters of Ram and Yogi ji because they are symbols of Hindu pride. Chief Minister Yogi is ensuring justice for farmers, youth and tribals. Inspired by him, we started this campaign.”
The campaign did not stop there. In Moradabad, Hindu groups carried posters of “I Love Yogi, I Love Modi, I Love Mahadev” during a rally at Lakshmi Narayan Temple. National flags were waved and slogans raised, which supporters described as a “victory of Hindutva.” Police in the city were seen providing full security for the march.
Experts and rights activists point to the stark difference in police response. While Muslim youths in Kanpur and other districts faced FIRs, arrests and harassment, Hindu groups openly put up counter posters without facing any legal action.
“This is a textbook case of double standards,” said social activist Khalid Rahman. “The same police who booked Muslims for ‘new traditions’ are now protecting Hindu rallies and posters. This is selective justice.”
The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) reported that across India, at least 1,324 Muslims have had cases registered against them, and 38 arrests have been confirmed. The actual numbers, it warned, may be far higher.
By contrast, not a single FIR has been lodged against Hindu groups who launched the counter campaign. Instead, their processions have been facilitated and guarded by security forces.
The issue, analysts say, is no longer about posters but about political and religious polarisation in India.
“Muslims are expressing love for their Prophet in a peaceful manner. But instead of protecting their rights, the state is criminalising them,” said Prof Arif Khan, a political observer. “Meanwhile, Hindu groups are being encouraged to provoke further division under the protection of the ruling party.”
In Moradabad, which has witnessed communal clashes in the past, the situation remains tense. The administration claims it is maintaining law and order, but the unequal treatment has deepened the community’s mistrust.
“We only carried placards that said I Love Muhammad. We did not insult anyone,” said Abdul Hamid, a Kanpur resident booked in the case. “But look at the other side – they say I Love Bulldozer, openly threatening Muslims, and still they get police security. Is this justice?”
The controversy has now reached states such as Uttarakhand, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Muslim processions in these regions have faced similar police crackdowns.
Political analysts believe the issue is being used to sharpen communal lines ahead of future elections. By allowing Hindu slogans while silencing Muslim ones, critics argue, the state government is pushing a one-sided narrative.
“This selective policing is not about maintaining peace. It is about silencing Muslims and emboldening majoritarian groups,” said human rights lawyer Asma Javed.
The “I Love Muhammad” posters began as a simple statement of faith, but they have now exposed deep divisions in India’s democracy. While Muslims are penalised for peaceful expression, Hindu organisations are given freedom and even protection to promote provocative campaigns.
For many Muslims, the message is clear: their rights are conditional, their faith is targeted, and their love for the Prophet is treated as a crime.
“If saying I Love Muhammad is a crime, then this country must ask itself what freedom really means,” said activist Shadab Ali.
