“I Love Modi, but Not Muhammad?”: Owaisi questions restrictions on expressing love for Prophet

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has raised concerns over restrictions on expressing devotion to Prophet Muhammad, pointing out the apparent double standard in the country.

“Even if we want to go to our Mosque, they want to snatch it away. One can say I love Modi, but can't say I love Mohammad. Where are you planning to land," he asked during a meeting on Thursday.

Owaisi’s remarks came in the backdrop of an FIR registered against some individuals in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly installing boards with “I Love Mohammad” during an Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession. The controversy first erupted on September 9, when police in Kanpur filed a case against 24 people for putting up the boards during a religious procession on September 4.

Bareilly in UP also witnessed tensions on September 26, when clashes broke out between locals and police after a planned protest over the “I Love Muhammad” posters was canceled. Several people were injured in the violence that followed Friday prayers.

Clarifying his stance, the Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP said, “There would be no objection if someone displays posters praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi.” He reaffirmed his Muslim identity, emphasizing that he follows Prophet Muhammad.

Owaisi’s comments have sparked a debate over freedom of expression and religious sensitivities in India.