India, Oct. 4 -- Amid the ongoing 'I love Mohammad' protests in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati on Saturday claimed that saying "I love Mahadev" is disrespectful to Mahadev. He added that the controversy was started to draw the public's attention from 'real issues'.

"I don't know about Mohammed. Those who are with Mohammed may know about him. But is saying, 'I love Mahadev', an honour or an insult to Mahadev?" the religious leader, who is known for making controversial statements, said.

Speaking in Bihar's Bettiah, Avimukteshwaranand said, "I love Mohammed, I love Mahadev' row has been started to distract the public from the real issues." He said that saying "I love Mahadev" is an insult to Mahadev. "Is Mahade...