UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, at an event, took a veiled dig at cleric Tauqueer Raza Khan, saying that he had “forgotten who holds power” in the state. Raza, the chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, initially called for the “I Love Muhammad” campaign, which turned violent. The police have arrested him in connection with the violent clashes. 

‘Cleric forgot who is in power in the State’

“Yesterday, a cleric forgot who is in power in the State,” CM Adityanath said, before adding, “He thought he could halt the system whenever he wanted, but we made it clear that there would be neither a roadblock nor a curfew.”

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He added, “However, the lesson we have taught will make future generations think twice before rioting.”

The Chief Minister also said that after 2017, UP has not witnessed even a single curfew. “The story of Uttar Pradesh’s development begins here,” he stressed. 

‘I Love Muhammad’ row in Bareilly

The statement comes a day after violent clashes broke out in Bareilly between police and the protestors carrying “I Love Muhammad” posters following Friday prayers. The protestors were furious after authorities denied permission to Khan to hold a demonstration. 

DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni said the violence looked like a “pre-planned conspiracy”, and warned that “exemplary punishment” would be given to offenders to ensure such incidents are not repeated. 

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The state’s Information Department has also issued a statement saying that it is a “well-planned conspiracy”. 

The tension traces back to September 9, when “I Love Muhammad” boards were put up on a public road during a Barawafat procession in Kanpur. Hindu groups objected, calling it a “deliberate provocation” and “a new trend.” An FIR was lodged against several people, including nine identified and 15 unnamed individuals.

Ahead of Raza’s proposed sit-in protest, police denied permission and conducted a flag march. Despite this, a large crowd assembled outside his home, eventually pelting stones at police.