The ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy, which began in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked protests and processions by the Muslim community across multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Cities such as Unnao, Bareilly, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Maharajganj, Kashipur, and Hyderabad have witnessed rallies and street demonstrations, some leading to clashes with police.

The question arises: why has a slogan like ‘I Love Muhammad’ led to mass mobilisation and unrest across the country?

THE SPARK IN KANPUR

The controversy began on September 4 during the Barawafat (Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi) procession in Rawatpur, Kanpur. A group put up an ‘I Love Muhammad’ banner along the procession route. This led to objections from local Hindu groups, who claimed that a “new tradi

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