Threatening Posters on Patna Streets Ahead of Valentine’s Day Spark Controversy

Patna, Feb 12, 2026: With Valentine’s Day just two days away, streets across Patna are already displaying alarming posters warning couples against public displays of affection. The posters, claiming to be from the “Hindu Shivbhawani Sena,” carry the headline: “Wherever we find couples, we will smash every corner.”

The messages clearly caution that anyone caught expressing love in public parks, restaurants, or other open spaces on February 14 could face physical punishment. According to reports, the posters denounce Valentine’s Day as contrary to Indian culture and Hindu values. Similar posters have also been reported in Madhya Pradesh.

Hindutva Group Issues Warning
The Hindu Shivbhawani Sena described the week leading up to Valentine’s Day—from Chocolate Day to Valentine’s Day—as promoting obscenity, nudity, religious conversion, and so-called “love jihad,” which they claim goes against India’s cultural ethos. The group warned that its members would take action using sticks and clubs against couples violating their directives, and that teams would monitor couples throughout the day.

Tribute to Pulwama Martyrs
The posters also urged citizens to observe Valentine’s Day as a day of tribute to the soldiers martyred in the Pulwama attack, rather than celebrating with romantic gestures.

Political Reactions
The move drew strong criticism from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Party spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliated organizations of spreading hatred and trying to destroy love in society. He said, “Organizations supported by the BJP only know how to break, not build, and aim to incite conflict and hatred in the community.”

The controversy has sparked public debate about freedom of expression, cultural values, and the role of vigilante groups in policing personal behavior.