Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a powerful message on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in response to violent clashes that erupted in Bareilly the previous day. He asserted that the cleric responsible for the unrest seemed to have forgotten the nature of the current state government, promising that those who incite riots would face consequences so severe that “generations will forget to riot.”
Police have already taken action, arresting cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, head of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, along with seven others. Their arrests followed a violent confrontation between protestors and law enforcement, which stemmed from a demonstration against earlier police measures taken against individuals displaying “I Love Muhammad” posters during an Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi procession in Kanpur on September 4. Mr. Khan was the one who initiated this recent protest call.
Speaking at an event in Lucknow, Mr. Adityanath reiterated his administration’s firm stance. “The Maulana in Bareilly overlooked the authority of the current government,” he stated. “He issued threats to block roads, but we unequivocally responded: there will be no disruptions, no curfews. We will deliver a message so impactful that it will deter even future generations from contemplating such acts of unrest.”
The Chief Minister highlighted his government’s consistent policy since 2017 of decisively confronting rioters with measures they inherently comprehend. He credited this resolute approach with fostering a new era of peace and enhanced security across Uttar Pradesh, thereby establishing a strong foundation for the state’s ongoing development.
The ‘I Love Bulldozer’ Stance
Criticizing previous administrations, the Chief Minister claimed they often capitulated to rioters and anti-social elements. He alleged that under past rule, a ‘Chacha-Bhatija duo’ engaged in extortion, and entire districts were effectively run by mafias operating parallel governments. He further asserted that those in positions of power had ‘bowed before mafias,’ with the head of government even ‘feeling honored shaking hands with a mafia’s dog.’ Such a corrupt system, he argued, left citizens – from daughters to traders and farmers – vulnerable and unsafe.
Adityanath emphatically declared, “For such anti-social elements who enjoyed unchecked freedom, we have deployed the bulldozer.” He stated that his government had successfully eradicated mafia rule and steered Uttar Pradesh towards a trajectory of development. He further argued that the state’s historical ‘BIMARU’ (backward) status was not intrinsic but rather a consequence of ‘dynasty politics, casteism, and sick mentalities’ from previous eras.
Meanwhile, in a parallel development, Lucknow saw the emergence of numerous ‘I Love Adityanath’ and ‘I Love Bulldozer’ posters. These appeared as a direct response to the ‘I Love Muhammad’ campaign that triggered the Bareilly clashes, with BJP Yuva Morcha Lucknow general secretary Amit Tripathi claiming responsibility for their placement.