Uttarakhand CM Dhami Calls ‘I Love Muhammad’ Protests a Conspiracy, Vows Strict Action

By A Staff Reporter

Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday described the recent demonstrations linked to the “I Love Muhammad” campaign as a deliberate attempt to foment unrest and disturb festivals and religious rituals across the state. He said those behind the protests were acting to undermine India’s progress and the government’s development agenda. 

Speaking in Dehradun, Dhami criticised what he called external and political forces that, in his view, “cannot see India getting strengthened” under the current administration. He questioned the right of individuals to carry placards bearing another person’s name during public processions and said true respect for any figure should be reflected in behaviour rather than slogans. 

Warning of a firm response, the chief minister said the state would not tolerate what he described as anarchy and pledged strict action against those found responsible for violence and vandalism. Dhami added that the cost of damage to both government and private property would be recovered from the rioters themselves, and pointed to recently strengthened anti-riot measures in the state as the legal basis for such steps.