A significant development unfolded on Friday, October 3, 2025, as Jahanzaib Sirwal, a prominent BJP leader from Jammu and Kashmir, publicly declared his intent to resign from the party. His decision stems from deep concern over what he describes as “unacceptable” remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, coupled with the U.P. state police’s allegedly “vindictive” approach towards the Muslim community.
In a strongly worded statement, Sirwal asserted that the prevailing situation in Uttar Pradesh directly contradicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s overarching philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’ (Together with all, Development for all, Trust of all). He accused the state government of undermining this principle through what he called “baseless legal actions, a heavy-handed crackdown, and divisive threats.”
Sirwal emphasized the critical need for impartial investigations, stressing that accountability should extend to all individuals involved in wrongdoing, rather than disproportionately targeting a single community.
This comes amidst reports of a Muslim cleric and seven others being arrested following violence in Bareilly related to the ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy. Speaking to a news agency, Mr. Sirwal reiterated his stance, stating that he would be left with no alternative but to resign if the BJP leadership fails to implement concrete measures aimed at rebuilding trust within the Muslim community.
The controversy first flared when police in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, registered a First Information Report (FIR) against 24 individuals. They were accused of displaying “I Love Muhammad” boards during an Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession held on September 4.
Further escalating tensions, clashes erupted in Bareilly on September 26. This occurred after a significant gathering, holding posters proclaiming “I Love Muhammad,” assembled near a mosque in the Kotwali area following Friday prayers.
The incident in Bareilly subsequently led to increased tensions and deployment of forces in other districts like Barabanki and Mau. In response to the unrest, police initiated a large-scale crackdown, arresting 68 individuals, including a local cleric. Chief Minister Adityanath issued a stern warning, promising rigorous action against anyone attempting to disrupt public order.
Mr. Sirwal, identifying himself as a proud Muslim and a dedicated BJP leader, expressed his profound distress over the Uttar Pradesh government’s recent actions. He views these actions as a direct targeting of the Muslim community’s heartfelt religious expression, specifically concerning the “I Love Muhammad” banners. This sentiment reflects the broader public discourse and concerns regarding religiously motivated violence in areas like Bareilly, as seen in reports titled ‘Violence in Bareilly | In the name of god’.
He critically noted that what began as a “simple, heartfelt act of faith” was met with severe responses, including FIRs, detentions, and inflammatory rhetoric. Sirwal specifically cited Chief Minister Adityanath’s controversial remarks about ‘denting-painting’ and “teaching lessons to generations.” He argued that such statements are not only divisive but also directly violate the constitutional right (Article 25) to freely practice and profess one’s religion. Sirwal stressed that these actions undermine India’s pluralistic spirit, where all faiths should thrive without intimidation.
Sirwal firmly declared that the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister lacks the authority to “threaten or intimidate” any community into silence. His call echoes similar appeals from organizations like the Pasmanda Muslim body, which has urged for communal harmony and peaceful conduct.
He continued, “His provocative rhetoric, which suggests coercive corrections of our faith’s expressions, represents a betrayal of democratic values and an affront to the Constitution, which stands supreme over any individual’s authority. We, as Muslims, will not yield to such threats, nor will we permit our sacred devotion to the Prophet to be criminalized.”
Mr. Sirwal reiterated that as a Muslim leader within the BJP, he finds it impossible to remain silent when the rights of his community are being undermined and when state actions threaten to compromise the party’s foundational commitment to national unity.
He issued a direct appeal to the BJP leadership, urging decisive action: “Quash the unjust FIRs, release those detained for peaceful expressions, and retract statements that fuel discord. The central leadership must intervene to ensure no chief minister utilizes state power to suppress constitutional freedoms.” He further declared, “If these actions truly represent the party’s stance, I will humbly accept expulsion, for my ‘Iman’ (faith) will always supersede all else. However, I maintain faith in our party’s dedication to justice and unity, and I call for an immediate course correction to safeguard India’s pluralistic essence.”
Sirwal concluded by encouraging Muslims to pursue justice through constructive dialogue, democratic processes, and steadfast faith.
Emphasizing the paramount importance of communal harmony in the nation, Sirwal concluded, “Let us build bridges, not barriers, for our nation’s true strength resides in its rich diversity.”