Following the unrest in several parts of Uttar Pradesh, senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan has broken his silence on the “I Love Mohammad” controversy. Former minister Azam Khan has called it a deliberate conspiracy. He questioned the administration, saying that the matter could have been resolved through dialogue but was deliberately escalated.
He said, “Even if I call it a spark, the question is how did this small issue become such a huge fire? If the district administration had wanted, this dispute could have been resolved through dialogue. History bears witness that no matter how dire the situation, solutions are ultimately found at the negotiating table.” He further said that this was a conspiracy to hurt the country’s Ganga-Jamuni culture. If the district administration had wanted, they could have resolved the issue through dialogue. No matter how serious the situation becomes, dialogue is the only solution. Look at the consequences of the war… This was a conspiracy to destroy harmony. Obviously, if someone loves someone, it is their birthright. It is noteworthy that recently a controversy had arisen over writing ‘I love Mohammad’ in Rampur and other places.
What was the “I Love Mohammad” controversy?
The controversy surrounding the “I Love Mohammad” banner in Kanpur began on September 4, 2025. During the Barawafat (Eid-Milad-un-Nabi) procession, the banner was placed on a tent in front of the Ram Navami procession gate in Syed Nagar, Rawatpur. This location was off the traditional procession route, and Hindu organizations protested. An incident of banner tearing also occurred, leading to a tense atmosphere. Police brought the situation under control, removed the banner, and brokered a compromise between the two parties. During the procession on September 5, some Muslim youths were accused of tearing religious posters of another community, further escalating the controversy. Based on CCTV footage, the police filed an FIR against 25 people. Following this, the situation deteriorated across the state and parts of the country.
Lamps don’t burn, they illuminate: Those who met him know something bad has happened to him, Azam said – sympathy is like medicine.
Earlier, on the occasion of Diwali, SP leader Azam Khan said that lamps are not lit, but are lit. Those who light lamps can burn anything. The lit lamps bring coolness to people. Speaking to the media at his residence, the SP leader said that the purpose of lighting lamps is to provide light.
It is to provide coolness. It is to eliminate hatred. Only those people are worthy of praise. He said that he has not left his house for a long time. Despite this, many people are coming to meet him. Those who come to meet him believe that something wrong has happened to him.
These people have probably met him for the first time with such devotion. They are completely satisfied. I understand that there is a lot of sacrifice behind this. I am a direct victim. Those who believe that something wrong has happened to them are very sad. His sympathy is working as medicine for me.
