In Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, preparations are underway for the marriage between a Hindu girl and a Muslim boy, set to take place on February 13. However, the wedding card was leaked to local Hindu organizations, igniting controversy and protests. The leaders of these organizations have described the union as an instance of 'love jihad', a term they use to accuse Muslim men of converting Hindu women under the guise of love. This has led to threats against the wedding and calls for intervention from local government officials.

The girl, identified as Aakanksha Gautam, and the boy, named Shahbaz Rana (also known as Sahil), belong to different communities, which has further fueled the outrage. Prominent Hindu leader Sachin Sirohi has publicly declared the organization’s intent to stop the wedding, demanding action from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to prevent what they perceive to be a marriage established through coercion. The situation has escalated, with accusations circulating on social media amplifying tensions within the community.

As the wedding date approaches, the controversy raises critical questions about communal relations in India, the intersection of religion and personal choices, and the influence of social media in stirring public sentiment. The local Hindu organization sees the marriage as a calculated ploy, and their threats pose a significant risk to the couple’s ability to marry peacefully. The response from local authorities and the broader implications for interfaith relationships in the region remain to be seen.