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

Valentine’s Day in Bhopal saw a clash between right-wing Bajrang Dal’s moral policing and the Indian Youth Congress’s ‘Soldiers of Love’ campaign. While the Bajrang Dal patrolled public spaces to curb perceived ‘immoral’ behaviour, the Youth Congress offered support to couples. Many couples opted for private celebrations to avoid confrontation, with police ensuring no untoward incidents occurred.