Right-wingers patrol Bhopal streets on Valentine’s Day, but lovers stay away: 'Jahan milenge Bunty-Babli, tod denge haddi pasli'

BHOPAL: “Jahan milenge Bunty-Babli, tod denge haddi pasli” (Wherever we run into BuntyBabli, we will break their bones and ribs): “ Mohabbat ke Sipahi” (Soldiers of Love) Valentine’s Day in Bhopal was marked largely by competing street campaigns by the right-wing Bajrang Dal and the Indian Youth Congress, pitting public morality against personal freedom.Bajrang Dal activists were seen patrolling parks and public squares across the city, focusing on areas where young people typically gather, including Upper Lake, a mall in MP Nagar, and nearby restaurants. Their stated objective was to prevent public displays of affection and discourage what they described as ‘immoral’ behaviour.As right-wingers prowled public spaces, some selfstyled activists were heard raising provocative slogans, including “ Jahan milenge Bunty-Babli, tod denge haddi pasli” (Wherever we meet Bunty-Babli, we will break their bones and ribs).The outfit framed its actions as moral policing, a practice repeated in previous years on Feb 14.“We had made it clear that there should not be any indecent or immoral conduct by couples. Such campaigns are necessary to protect our youth (from western influences),” Rakesh Prajapati, district president, Bajrang Dal, told TOI .In response, the Indian Youth Congress launched an initiative called “ Mohabbat ke Sipahi ” (Soldiers of Love), as part of which Youth Congress workers fanned out across the city and stationed themselves at key public spots, promising support and protection for couples who wished to ring in Valentine’s Day without the fear of incurring right-wing wrath.In response, the Indian Youth Congress launched an initiative called “Mohabbat Ke Sipahi” (Soldiers of Love), as part of which Youth Congress workers fanned out across the city and stationed themselves at key public spots, promising support and protection for couples who wished to ring in Valentine’s Day without the fear of incurring rightwing wrath.Wearing distinctive clothes and carrying banners promoting love and tolerance, they urged young couples to come out openly. Youth Congress leaders described the campaign as a pushback against “moral vigilantism.” “Our initiative was aimed at spreading love over hatred, foster brotherhood instead of discrimination, and unite society rather than divide it,” Youth Congress district president Amit Khatri said.In the city, many couples avoided public venues. Reports as well social media posts suggested that parks, eateries, and other popular rendezvous points were quieter than usual on Valentine’s Day, with couples preferring the privacy of homes over public meetings to avoid potential confrontation.Police were deployed in big numbers on the streets to prevent escalation. No clashes or untoward incidents were reported as the day wore on.