‘Unfortunate, undemocratic’: SP leader on being barred from visiting Bareilly
**‘Unfortunate, undemocratic’: SP leader on being barred from visiting Bareilly**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 04, 2025 | 01:20 pm*
A 14-member Samajwadi Party (SP) delegation, led by Uttar Pradesh Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, was recently barred from entering Bareilly. The visit was planned in response to protests surrounding the controversial “I Love Muhammad” slogan. However, the state government deployed a heavy police presence at Pandey’s Lucknow residence to prevent him and his team from traveling to Bareilly—a move Pandey described as “unfortunate and undemocratic.”
### Allegations of Rights Violation
Pandey accused the government of violating his constitutional rights by stopping him from visiting Bareilly. He revealed that he received a police notice asking him to remain at home. “A letter came from the Bareilly District Magistrate stating that my arrival would spoil the atmosphere here, so I should not come,” Pandey told news agency ANI.
### Nationwide Unrest Over ‘I Love Muhammad’ Slogan
The “I Love Muhammad” slogan first gained attention during a Barawafat procession in Kanpur on September 4. Since then, the controversy has spread to multiple states including Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
In Bareilly, over 2,000 protesters clashed with police following Friday prayers. The unrest was sparked by Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s canceled protest, which was related to an FIR filed against individuals displaying “I Love Muhammad” posters during the Barawafat procession.
### Political Fallout
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya criticized Akhilesh Yadav’s decision to send an SP delegation to Bareilly. Maurya called the move a “childish step” and accused the Samajwadi Party of engaging in Muslim appeasement. He also predicted that the SP could face defeat in the 2027 assembly elections because of such actions.
The controversy has further escalated after property demolitions linked to Maulana Mohsin Raza took place in Bareilly, adding to the tensions.
### Aftermath and Security Measures
The protests have resulted in the arrest of 68 individuals, including Ittehad-e-Millat Council chief Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan. Internet services remain suspended in Bareilly as authorities maintain a strong security presence ahead of Friday prayers.
Additionally, a property connected to Mannani Miya, the son-in-law of Maulana Tauqeer Raza’s elder brother, was demolished, further fueling unrest in the region.
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The situation in Bareilly remains tense amidst ongoing protests, political clashes, and government crackdowns. Stay tuned for updates.
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