Owaisi’s Kanpur Rally Revives ‘I Love Muhammad’ Slogan and Calls for Opposition Unity
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi sparked fresh debate on Sunday during a rally in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, by chanting the controversial slogan “I love Muhammad”. The chant, which has previously drawn political criticism, was repeated after a brief pause, prompting a lively response from the crowd.
Rally Highlights
Speaking to a large gathering, Owaisi invoked the slogan, saying, “When we speak from the heart at a Majlis, we say ‘I love Muhammad’.” He then paused for a few seconds, asked the audience what they would say, and reiterated the phrase. The crowd cheered, and the chant was repeated several times.
Political Context
The slogan has been at the centre of political controversy in recent years. By reviving it ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, Owaisi appears to be using the issue to energise his supporters and draw attention to his party’s broader agenda.
Call for an Opposition Alliance
Beyond the chant, Owaisi used the platform to appeal to other opposition parties. He urged them to join forces to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from returning to power in the state for a third term. Owaisi said AIMIM would wait until 2 October before announcing any formal coalition, but expressed readiness to collaborate with parties that share the goal of keeping the BJP out of the Uttar Pradesh government.
Public Reaction
The rally video was shared on social media, where it attracted a range of reactions. Supporters praised Owaisi’s boldness, while critics highlighted the slogan’s polarising nature. The discussion reflects the broader tension between religious expression and political strategy in Indian public life.
Future Prospects
As the 2027 state elections approach, Owaisi’s statements suggest a strategic push to position AIMIM as a king‑maker in any potential anti‑BJP coalition. Whether other parties will respond positively remains to be seen, but the Kanpur rally has certainly placed the “I love Muhammad” slogan back in the national conversation.
