New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi were halted at the Ghazipur border on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway as they attempted to travel to Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh, which has been affected by violence. This intervention by the police was justified by concerns over law and order in the region.
Their visit follows the unrest that began nearly two weeks ago due to a survey of the Jama Masjid mosque in Sambhal, which led to violent clashes resulting in the deaths of five young men. In light of these events, opposition parties have criticized the Yogi Adityanath government for failing to maintain law and order.
As their convoy was stopped, the Congress members requested permission for a small delegation to visit Sambhal to connect with affected families. The area has been under increased police surveillance following the violence on November 24, with prohibitory orders in place and restrictions on outsiders entering until December 10 to prevent further conflicts.
Previously, a delegation from the Samajwadi Party was also barred from entering Sambhal. The mosque, dating back to the Mughal era, is involved in a legal dispute, with assertions that a Hindu temple once stood at the site. Following a court mandate for an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) investigation, a survey team was attacked by a considerable crowd from the minority community.
Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal criticized the state government for blocking the Gandhi siblings’ visit, emphasizing the need for compassion in times of grief. He reiterated Rahul Gandhi’s belief in spreading love amidst hate, stating, “It is our duty as the Opposition to bring compassion, empathy, and love.”