J&K BJP leader questions UP ‘I Love Mohammad’ arrests, says party in power has ‘role towards minorities’

The registration of FIRs and arrests by the Uttar Pradesh Police over installation of banners reading ‘I Love Mohammad’ during recent Barawafat processions has drawn criticism from within the BJP, with a party leader from Jammu and Kashmir, Jahanzaib Sirwal, threatening to resign if the leadership “fails to take immediate corrective steps restoring the confidence of Muslims”.
Condemning UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s “unacceptable” remarks and UP Police’s “vindictive attitude”, Sirwal said this goes against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Aur Sabka Vishwas”. Speaking to The Indian Express, he said: “The PM’s message reflects the BJP’s commitment to inclusive development and trust-building across communities. However, the UP government’s response stands in stark contrast.”
A veterinary doctor, Sirwal was in the Congress and a party spokesperson before he quit to join the BJP ahead of the 2024 J&K Assembly polls. He says he did so prompted by the PM’s promise of “Sabka Saath”. In the elections, Sirwal handled statistics in the BJP’s election management committee.
Speaking about police action in UP, Sirwal said: “A peaceful act of faith has been met with legal actions, arrests, and polarising statements… Such rhetoric is divisive, undermines the constitutional protections under Article 25 for religious freedom, and threatens the harmony of India’s diverse society. No leader, regardless of position, has the authority to intimidate or suppress any community’s right to express their faith.”
What wrong had those who are facing action committed, he asked. “Our Constitution gives the 20 crore Muslims living in this country the right to practise their faith… The processionists were only expressing their devotion.”
The BJP leader, who belongs to Jammu’s Kishtwar area, warned that the UP government’s actions risk alienating the Muslim community. He urged the BJP’s central leadership to take immediate corrective steps such as withdrawing the FIRs, releasing those detained, holding an impartial probe “without targeting one community”, and disavowing statements that sow division.
Sirwal said he wasn’t apprehensive of the party taking action against him, and that he “remains hopeful in the BJP’s commitment to justice… and stands firm in my faith”. “More important for me than being a BJP member is that I am part of 20 crore Muslims living in this country… We will not allow our sacred love for the Prophet to be criminalised.”
Sirwal said that being members of the ruling party, the BJP needs to understand its “role and responsibility towards minorities in India”. “Their actions should instill confidence among minorities and strengthen communal amity.”