In a notable display during the evening Ganga Aarti at Assi Ghat,Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a group of people held up posters reading “I Love Mahadev,” “I Love Yogi,” and “I Love Bulldozer,” signaling a politically and communally charged response to recent “I Love Muhammad” demonstrations in parts of Uttar Pradesh.
The display of these posters reportedly came in the wake of multiple arrests across Uttar Pradesh where Muslim youth were detained for publicly displaying “I Love Muhammad” placards.
“This is a political agenda — people keep doing these things just to seek attention,” said Vijay Vineet, a Varanasi based Journalist, while talking to FoEJ Media.
“I love Bulldozer”
Among the slogans seen at Assi Ghat, the phrase “I Love Bulldozer” stood out for its political connotation. The bulldozer has become a widely recognized symbol associated with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s governance, particularly referencing state-led demolition drives targeting alleged illegal constructions. However, these demolitions have drawn sharp criticism for disproportionately affecting Muslim communities, with many rights groups and opposition leaders calling it a form of selective enforcement and intimidation.
Sanatan Sena holds ‘I Love Mahadev’ banner
According to reports, members of the saffron outfit Sanatan Sena, led by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Narendrananda, earlier this week have also put up ‘I Love Mahadev’ posters at various locations across Varanasi.
“This I love Mahadev was first started by a saint in Varanasi (Jagadguru Shankaracharya Narendrananda) and after that people started following this” Vijyat told FoEJ Media while talking about Assi Ghat aarti.
‘I love Mahadev’ Moves from Streets to Skin
The ‘I love Mahadev’ campaign took another turn in Varanasi earlier this week, with devotees choosing to have permanent tattoos to express their faith by getting ‘I love Mahadev’ tattoos. Tattoo parlours across Varanasi witnesses a spike in demand, with many artists offering 50% discounts to support the cause. The campaign has moved from the streets to the skin, becoming a personal statement of belief.
