Varanasi: A new poster campaign has stirred debate in Uttar Pradesh after groups displayed placards reading “I Love Mahadev,” “I Love Yogi,” and “I Love Bulldozer” during the evening Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat in Varanasi. The incident comes amid widespread arrests of Muslims linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign.
Videos from the site showed participants waving posters that appeared to counter Muslim expressions of devotion. The “I Love Bulldozer” slogan drew particular criticism as it referenced Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s bulldozer policy, which has been used to demolish properties, often belonging to Muslims. Rights groups and opposition parties have long condemned the practice as extra-judicial and discriminatory.
Similar posters also surfaced in Lucknow at Samta Mulak Chowk, where BJP Yuva Morcha General Secretary Amit Tripathi displayed banners with images of Yogi Adityanath alongside a bulldozer. Tripathi defended the posters, saying they symbolised action against corruption and lawbreakers. He rejected allegations of communal provocation, calling it a matter of discipline and development.
Critics, however, said the bulldozer slogan was provocative. Samajwadi Party leader ST Hasan noted that while “I Love Mahadev” reflected faith, “I Love Bulldozer” carried a threatening message. Journalist Sarayu Pani commented that the trend reflected the shrinking space for genuine religious expression, with political symbolism overtaking faith.
The controversy comes as protests linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign spread across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat. In several districts, police used lathi-charge and arrests against Muslim youths, while reports of bulldozer demolitions in Uttarakhand deepened concerns over selective enforcement.
