Wed Dec 04 08:54:57 UTC 2024: **Congress Leaders Blocked from Visiting Violence-Hit Sambhal**
**NEW DELHI, December 24** – Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were prevented from reaching Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, today, where recent violence erupted following a mosque survey. Police cited the sensitive law and order situation in the town as the reason for blocking the delegation, which included several other Congress MPs.
The incident occurred at the Ghazipur border, causing significant traffic congestion. Despite Rahul Gandhi’s request to allow a smaller delegation to meet with victims of the November 24th violence, which left four dead and many injured, permission was denied. He stated that his role as Leader of the Opposition necessitates visiting those affected. The Congress delegation subsequently returned to Delhi.
The violence stemmed from a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque embroiled in a legal dispute. Prohibitory orders remain in effect in Sambhal until December 31st. The Samajwadi Party has also faced restrictions on entering the district.
Congress condemned the government’s actions, with KC Venugopal criticizing the Uttar Pradesh government for preventing them from offering support to grieving families. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav echoed this sentiment, urging the state government to allow political leaders access to Sambhal. In contrast, BJP leader Giriraj Singh dismissed the incident as a political stunt by Rahul Gandhi.
The incident sparked a walkout by INDIA alliance MPs from the Lok Sabha in protest. The police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the Sambhal violence, charging local Samajwadi Party figures and over 700 unidentified individuals.
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