Bareilly Clashes: Yogi Adityanath Says ‘Maulana Forgot Who Governs The State’

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday (27 September) issued a stern warning after Friday’s clashes between police and locals in Bareilly, declaring that the state would not allow anyone to disrupt law and order, reported The New Indian Express.

Speaking at a ‘Viksit UP’ event, Adityanath appeared to target cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, chief of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, who had initially called for a protest in support of the “I Love Muhammad” campaign.

“Yesterday, a Maulana forgot who is in power in the state,” Adityanath said without naming anyone.

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

The Chief Minister questioned the intent of the gathering, adding, “What kind of way is this to halt the system? This was the trend in UP before 2017, but after 2017, we have not allowed even a curfew. The story of Uttar Pradesh's development begins here.”

Tensions erupted in Bareilly when protesters carrying “I Love Muhammad” posters clashed with police outside a Kotwali mosque after Friday prayers.

The demonstration followed authorities’ denial of permission for Khan’s proposed rally.

Despite this, some participants attempted to march, prompting strict police action and the detention of over two dozen people.

DIG Ajay Kumar Sahni described the incident as a “pre-planned conspiracy” and vowed to identify all culprits through video evidence.

The state government condemned the violence, alleging it aimed to disturb western UP, malign the Noida International Trade Show, and hinder investment.

The controversy traces back to 9 September, when “I Love Muhammad” boards placed during a Kanpur procession drew objections from Hindu groups.

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Also Read: Violence Erupts In Bareilly After ‘I Love Muhammad’ Protest, Police Lathi-Charge Crowd