Amidst the recent arrests of several Muslims in Uttar Pradesh following the “I Love Muhammad” protests, a group was spotted at the evening Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat in Varanasi, displaying posters reading “I Love Mahadev,” “I Love Yogi,” and “I Love Bulldozer.” The latter term has become a symbol associated with intimidation and anti-Muslim sentiments.
The Ganga Aarti, a daily Hindu ritual honoring the River Ganges through lamps, chants, and bells, attracts thousands of pilgrims to Varanasi, one of India’s holiest cities. Assi Ghat, where the Assi River meets the Ganges, is particularly popular for this ceremony among both locals and tourists.
This incident was captured on video and shared by the news agency ANI, showing participants holding posters that directly counter the “I Love Muhammad” campaign. “I Love Bulldozer” resonates with Yogi Adityanath’s controversial “bulldozer policy,” which is criticized for targeting minority communities through the demolition of their properties.
In Lucknow, similar posters appeared at Samta Mulak Chowk, featuring messages of “I Love Yogi Adityanath” and “I Love Bulldozer.” These posters were attributed to Amit Tripathi, General Secretary of BJP Yuva Morcha, and they prominently displayed images of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath beside a bulldozer—a symbol perceived by many as representative of state-sponsored harassment against Muslims.
Defending his actions, Tripathi addressed local media, asserting, “There is nothing wrong in putting up these posters. The bulldozer represents action against the corrupt and those who break the law.” He dismissed accusations of communal provocation, claiming, “This is about development and discipline. Those who call it an attack on Muslims are twisting the truth.”
A video also circulated showing an individual kissing a bulldozer while proclaiming, “Baba will take care of the country, Yogi here, Modi there!” Right-wing social media accounts further amplified the message with “I Love Bulldozer” posters.
In response, Samajwadi Party leader ST Hasan described the situation as provocative, stating that while “I Love Mahadev” is acceptable, the bulldozer slogan is inflammatory and should be halted. Journalist Sarayu Pani remarked, “This is truly what is left of the religion in the heartland – I love bulldozer.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a key figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has faced significant criticism for overseeing the demolition of properties predominantly belonging to Muslims. Rights groups and opposition parties have condemned this practice as extrajudicial punishment targeting minorities, violating due process, and exacerbating communal tensions.
The latest controversy arises as campaigns expressing “I Love Muhammad” gain traction in various Indian cities. This follows multiple arrests by the Kanpur police connected to a signboard bearing the same phrase during a Barawafat procession earlier this month. The poster clash has sparked protests across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat, leading to police using lathi charges to disperse crowds and detaining Muslim youths supporting the “I Love Muhammad” movement.
Violence erupted recently in the Ali Khan area of Uttarakhand between protestors and police, resulting in the demolition of several homes belonging to Muslims, which heightened concerns within the community.
Tags: I Love Mahadev, Varanasi, Yogi, Bulldozer, I Love Muhammad
Hashtags: #Posters #Love #Mahadev #Yogi #Bulldozer #surface #Varanasi #arrests #Muslims #Love #Muhammad #campaign
