'Unfortunate, undemocratic': SP leader on being barred from visiting Bareilly
What's the story
A 14-member Samajwadi Party (SP) delegation, headed by Uttar Pradesh Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, was barred from entering Bareilly. The visit was planned in the wake of protests over the "I Love Muhammad" controversy. The state government had deployed a large police force at Pandey's Lucknow residence to stop him and his team from traveling to Bareilly, which he called "unfortunate and undemocratic."
Rights violation
Government violating my constitutional rights: Pandey
Pandey alleged that the government was violating his constitutional rights by stopping him from visiting Bareilly. He said he received a notice from the police asking him not to leave his home. "A letter came from the Bareilly DM...He also said that your arrival would spoil the atmosphere here, so you should not come here," Pandey told news agency ANI.
Nationwide unrest
Controversy spreads to several states
The "I Love Muhammad" slogan first emerged during a Barawafat procession in Kanpur on September 4. The controversy has since spread to several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, and Maharashtra. In Bareilly, over 2,000 protesters clashed with police after Friday prayers. The unrest was triggered by Maulana Tauqeer Raza's canceled protest over an FIR against those displaying "I Love Muhammad" posters during the Barawafat procession.
Political fallout
Deputy CM Keshav Maurya slams Akhilesh Yadav
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya slammed Akhilesh Yadav's decision to send a delegation to Bareilly. He called it a "childish step" and accused the SP of Muslim appeasement. Maurya also predicted the SP's downfall in the 2027 assembly elections due to their actions. The controversy has also led to property demolitions linked to Maulana Mohsin Raza, further escalating tensions in Bareilly.
Aftermath
Internet services suspended in Bareilly
The protests have resulted in the arrest of 68 people, including Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan. Internet services remain suspended in Bareilly as security personnel are deployed ahead of Friday prayers. A property linked to the son-in-law of Maulana Tauqeer Raza's elder brother, Mannani Miya, was also demolished.