In a fiery address at the 'Developed Uttar Pradesh Vision @ 2047' event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning to those involved in recent communal unrest, particularly in Bareilly, following the controversial 'I Love Muhammad' poster campaign.
Referring to Friday’s clashes between police and demonstrators, Adityanath declared, “We built bulldozers specifically for those who incite violence based on caste.” He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate attempts to disrupt peace during festivals or provoke caste-based tensions.
The CM’s remarks come in the wake of violent protests sparked by the suspension of a proposed march led by cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan. The demonstration, intended to support the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign, was halted by authorities citing Section 163 of the BNSS, which restricts public gatherings in cases of potential unrest.
Adityanath accused certain groups of trying to derail Uttar Pradesh’s industrial progress and international image. “This conspiracy aims to show that UP is unsafe, just when we are hosting global trade shows and building hi-tech cities,” he said.
He also invoked the symbolism of Dussehra, stating, “This is the time to burn evil and terror. We will teach miscreants a lesson their next seven generations will remember.”
Posters reading “I Love Bulldozer” and “I Love CM Yogi” have since appeared across Lucknow, further fueling political debate. While BJP supporters hail the bulldozer as a symbol of law enforcement, critics argue it glorifies punitive action against marginalized communities.
The administration has ordered FIRs against alleged rioters and surprise inspections of slaughterhouses, signaling a broader crackdown on perceived lawlessness.