‘I Love Mahakal’ campaign begins after ‘I Love Mohammad’:Both religions’ stickers distributed in MP, Hindu group starts drive; police monitor activity amid controversy

After the controversy over ‘I Love Muhammad’ banners during the Barawafat procession in Kanpur, UP, similar posters have now started appearing in Indore, Ujjain and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. Here, ‘I Love Mahakal’ posters have been put up in response to ‘I Love Mohammad’. In Bhopal, people from the Muslim community have put ‘I Love Muhammad’ stickers on their vehicles. Meanwhile, the Mahakal poster campaign at Sheetaldas ki Bagiya temple in Bhopal has become a topic of debate on social media, in view of which the police have increased surveillance. ‘I Love Mohammed’ sticker campaign in Bhopal On Friday (September 26), after Juma prayers at Taj-ul-Masjid in Bhopal, a group of youths placed ‘I Love Muhammed’ stickers on cars, bikes, and e-rickshaws. Locals said it was a peaceful way to show love and respect for Prophet Mohammed. One young participant said, “This isn’t a protest or political act. Just as people write ‘I Love India’ or ‘I Love Bhopal’ on their vehicles, we are expressing our faith in Prophet Muhammed in the same way.” ‘I Love Mahakal’ campaign launched in Bhopal At Sheetal Das ki Bagiya temple in Bhopal on Friday (September 26), the Jagrut Hindu Manch launched a poster campaign expressing devotion to Lord Mahakal. Members performed abhishek of the Shivling while holding posters reading “I Love Mahakal” and chanted slogans in his praise. Dr. Durgesh Keswani, patron of the forum, said Sanatan Dharma is the world’s oldest religion. People of all faiths celebrate their festivals joyfully. Madhya Pradesh is fortunate to have Lord Mahakal in Omkareshwar and Ujjain. He added that Mahakal, called the “king of kings” and “ultimate time,” deserves public love and gratitude, which no one should oppose. Criticises jihadi mentality Moreover, Dr. Keswani also criticised what he called a “jihadi mentality,” pointing to objections during religious processions like the Chunari Yatra and Bhagwa Yatra. He said this includes “love jihad, land jihad, and spitting jihad.” The campaign began at Bhopal’s oldest temple, Sheetal Das ki Bagiya, and in the coming days, “I Love Mahakal” posters and banners will appear across the city. ‘I Love Mahakal’ resonates in Ujjain During the Navrang Dandiya at Kalidas Academy in Ujjain, a poster reading ‘I LOVE MAHAKAL’ was displayed from the stage two days ago. Organisers said Baba Mahakal is the creator of the universe and that everyone has great love for him. Around 5,000 people joined together to chant, “Mahakal, we love you.” Banner controversy in Indore In Indore’s Chandan Nagar, some Muslim youths put up a banner reading “I Love Muhammad” in front of Noori Mosque in Ganesh Nagar on Monday, September 22, a day before Navratri. VHP leader Tannu Sharma complained to the police, who came to remove the banner. A large group of Muslim youths then surrounded the police station in protest. On the night of September 24, members of the Muslim community again put up banners and raised slogans on the road in Bombay Bazaar. Police from Padrinath, Chatripura, and Sarafa stations arrived, but the youths continued chanting even in front of them. Social media controversy grows Following the Chandan Nagar incident, people from both communities began posting and commenting about religion online. The police have issued warnings against inflammatory posts and speeches, and are now closely monitoring all social media activity.