As the controversy of 'I love Muhammad' is going on in different parts of the country, Jammu Kashmir BJP leader Jahanzaib Sirwal has threatened to resign from the party, calling Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s recent remarks on the issue, as “unacceptable” and “deeply divisive.”
According to report, Sirwal accused the UP government of unfairly targeting Muslims after clashes in Bareilly and Kanpur, where police arrested over 60 people and booked several others for carrying banners with the words “I Love Muhammad” during Eid-e-Milad processions.
“The situation in Uttar Pradesh goes against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of *Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas*,” Sirwal said in a statement. “What was a simple, heartfelt act of faith has been met with FIRs, detentions and inflammatory rhetoric. Such actions betray the spirit of India and Article 25, which guarantees freedom of religion.”
Speaking to a news agency ,Sirwal warned that he would have “no option but to resign” if the BJP failed to act. “I cannot remain silent when my community’s rights are trampled. If the party leadership does not correct course, I will step down. My *Iman* (faith) will always stand above political power,” he said.
Condemning Yogi Adityanath’s warning that rioters would be taught a lesson “generations won’t forget,” Sirwal said the Chief Minister had “no right to intimidate any community into silence.”“His provocative rhetoric is a betrayal of democratic values. We as Muslims will not bow to threats nor allow our sacred love for the Prophet to be criminalised,” he said.
Sirwal urged the BJP’s central leadership to intervene immediately, “I call upon the party to quash the unjust FIRs, release those detained for peaceful expressions, and retract divisive statements. If these actions reflect the party’s stance, then I humbly accept expulsion. But I still believe in the BJP’s commitment to justice and unity.”
Appealing to Muslims to seek justice through dialogue, he added, “Let us build bridges, not barriers. Our nation’s true strength lies in its diversity.” Security remains heightened in Bareilly and surrounding districts after last week’s clashes, with police and paramilitary forces deployed to prevent further unrest.
Pertinently, protests also erupted at some places in rajouri last month over the issue, which were controlled by the law and order agencies. In parts of UP protests saw violence and arrests. Rallies erupted in Mumbai's Mumbra despite rain, and in Telangana's Hyderabad, demonstrators gathered at Nampally Public Garden, vowing to continue chanting the slogan undeterred by FIRs. In Maharashtra's Nagpur, people carried out processions in Mominpura, while in Uttarakhand's Kashipur, clashes with stone-pelting at police were reported.
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