Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi faced significant pushback from the Uttar Pradesh police on Wednesday as he attempted to visit Sambhal. Ghaziabad police halted his convoy at the Ghazipur border, citing a law and order situation following deadly clashes that occurred on November 24. This triggered a massive congestion on Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME).
Constitutional Rights Under Fire
Rahul Gandhi condemned the UP police’s actions as a violation of his constitutional rights, “It is my right to go, and I am ready to go alone.” He also expressed frustration over being denied access to Sambhal, where he intended to meet with victims of the violence and assess the situation firsthand. “We just want to go to Sambhal and see what happened there,” he said while adding as LoP, he should not be obstructed in fulfilling his duties.
पुलिस ने हमें संभल जाने से रोक दिया। विपक्ष के नेता होने के नाते यह मेरा अधिकार और कर्तव्य है कि मैं वहां जाऊं। फिर भी मुझे रोका गया।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 4, 2024
मैं अकेला जाने को भी तैयार हूं, लेकिन वे इसके लिए भी नहीं माने। यह संविधान के ख़िलाफ़ है।
भाजपा क्यों डरी हुई है – अपनी नाकामियों को छुपाने के… pic.twitter.com/aZ5pDjXtZA
Accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi and several Congress MPs, Gandhi attempted to negotiate with police officials but was met with resistance. The authorities suggested he could return in a few days when conditions might be more favorable for his visit. This response prompted Gandhi to criticize the current political climate, stating, “This is against the rights of the LoP and the Constitution. This is ‘naya Hindustan,’ where attempts are being made to end Ambedkarji’s Constitution.”
Context of Violence
The unrest in Sambhal erupted during a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque, following claims that it was built on the site of a Hindu temple. The violence led to at least four deaths and numerous injuries among both protesters and police officers. In light of these events, prohibitory orders were enacted in Sambhal to prevent further disturbances.
Political Reactions
Priyanka Gandhi also voiced her concerns regarding the police’s actions, asserting that her brother’s constitutional rights were taken away. She questioned why the state government felt threatened by their visit, suggesting that it indicated a lack of control over law and order in Uttar Pradesh.
In response to the Congress leaders’ attempts to enter Sambhal, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak accused them of politicizing the violence. He urged politicians to refrain from actions that could exacerbate tensions in the region.
Ongoing Tensions
The situation remains tense as Congress leaders continue to push for their right to visit Sambhal and support those affected by the violence. Senior party members have characterized the police’s actions as an insult to democracy, with calls for accountability from state authorities.
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