Wed Dec 04 09:15:37 UTC 2024: ## Congress Leaders Blocked From Visiting Violence-Torn Sambhal, Sparking Political Row

**Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh –** Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were prevented from visiting Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh on December 4th, sparking a major political clash. The siblings had intended to visit the town following recent communal violence that claimed five lives, sparked by claims a 16th-century mosque was built over a demolished Hindu temple.

Uttar Pradesh police stopped the Congress leaders citing a sensitive law-and-order situation. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the visit, with Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi calling it a mere “photo op.” Trivedi also questioned why Gandhi hadn’t visited Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, where a Trinamool Congress leader faced numerous sexual assault allegations following an alleged attack on an Enforcement Directorate team in January. This leader’s party is part of the Congress-led INDIA alliance.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya accused Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav (who was also denied entry) of attempting to garner Muslim votes, predicting the decline of both Congress and the Samajwadi Party. BJP leaders from other states echoed these sentiments, with some alleging decades-long conspiracies against the nation.

Despite being stopped at Ghazipur on the Delhi-UP border, Gandhi asserted his right to visit Sambhal as Leader of the Opposition and vowed to return. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra shared a powerful image of police blocking protesters on social media, criticizing the BJP’s actions.

Akhilesh Yadav supported the Congress leaders, stating that allowing them to visit the families of the victims could improve the situation, blaming the administration for escalating tensions. The Rashtriya Janata Dal also backed the Congress’s attempt.

The Shahi Jama mosque in Sambhal is at the center of a legal dispute, with a court-ordered survey triggering the recent violence. The police have restricted entry to “outsiders” until December 10th.

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