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Key Points

A new campaign called "I Love Mahakal" has been launched in Bhopal by the Jagrit Hindu Manch. A BJP spokesperson stated this is an expression of love for Lord Shiva and not a direct response to the "I Love Muhammad" campaign. The initiative comes after the original Muslim campaign caused tensions and protests in several states. Organizers say it is about freely expressing devotion and elevating Sanatan Dharma.

Key Points: Jagrit Hindu Manch Launches I Love Mahakal Campaign in Bhopal

  • Campaign started with posters near a temple in Bhopal on Friday
  • BJP spokesperson insists it is not a direct counter to the Muslim campaign
  • A saint involved says the goal is to raise awareness about traditional Sanatan values
  • The original I Love Muhammad banner sparked tensions and police action in Kanpur
2 min read

'I Love Mahakal' campaign launched in Bhopal following 'I Love Muhammad' row

BJP's Durgesh Keswani explains the I Love Mahakal initiative as an expression of devotion for Lord Shiva, launched after the I Love Muhammad row.

"This is simply an expression of our love for Lord Mahadev. Every religion is free to express its devotion. - Durgesh Keswani, BJP Spokesperson"

Bhopal, Sep 26

Amid ongoing tensions surrounding the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign across several states, a new initiative titled ‘I Love Mahakal’ has been launched in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. The campaign began on Friday with posters displayed prominently near the temple in front of Chameli Baba’s tomb in the city. It has been initiated by the Jagrit Hindu Manch.

BJP spokesperson Durgesh Keswani stated, “We are running this campaign through the Jagrit Hindu Manch. This is not against the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign. For us, all 365 days are festivals. We also put up such posters during Ganesh Chaturthi. This is simply an expression of our love for Lord Mahadev. Every religion is free to express its devotion. But Sanatan Dharma is the oldest religion. Our culture is different.”

IANS spoke to a saint involved in the campaign.

He said, “We are trying to raise awareness about traditional values. We want to elevate Sanatan Dharma. Just as Muslims are expressing love for Prophet Muhammad, we too are free to express devotion to our deities.”

The 'I Love Muhammad' campaign, which started with a banner in Uttar Pradesh, has since spread to Uttarakhand, Telangana, and Maharashtra. In response, several online movements within the Hindu community have emerged, promoting love for deities such as Lord Ram, Hanuman, Mahadev, and Ganesh.

The controversy began on September 4 during a Barawafat procession in Rawatpur village, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh). A lit board displaying "I Love Muhammad" was installed along the route of the procession for Eid Milad-un-Nabi, which celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Tensions arose when local Hindu groups objected, claiming the banner represented a new tradition that disrupted the balance in a mixed neighbourhood where festivals like Ram Navami had traditionally been celebrated. Accusations followed, with Hindu groups alleging that Muslim youths tore down their posters, while Muslim groups claimed they were targeted for expressing devotion.

Police intervened, removing the board in an attempt to restore peace. The incident led to protests, FIRs, and arrests in several locations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Jai Mahakal! 🕉️ It's good to see Hindu organizations finally standing up for our traditions. For too long we've been silent while others promote their faith aggressively.
A
Aman W
As a Bhopal resident, I'm tired of these political games. Both campaigns are creating unnecessary tension in our city. Can't we focus on real issues like infrastructure and employment?
S
Sarah B
I appreciate the spokesperson's statement that this isn't against the other campaign. If both communities can express devotion without targeting each other, that would be ideal.
V
Vikram M
Har Har Mahadev! Our culture has always been inclusive, but we must also protect our traditions. The 'I Love Mahakal' campaign is a peaceful expression of our faith.
K
Kavya N
The real issue is that police had to remove banners to maintain peace. This shows how fragile communal harmony has become. We need better dialogue between communities.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how religious expression unfolds in India. In Western countries, such campaigns would be seen as normal free speech. Hope both sides can coexist peacefully.

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