“Against the rights of the LoP and Constitution…”: Rahul Gandhi Slams UP Police for Denying Entry into Violence Hit Sambhal

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Wednesday stated that his convoy was stopped by the Uttar Pradesh police at the Ghazipur border, preventing him from visiting Sambhal, which has been hit by violence. He was accompanied by his sister and newly elected Wayanad MP, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The senior Congress leader argued that the police were infringing upon his constitutional right as the leader of the opposition to meet with the people affected by the unrest.

"We are trying to go to Sambhal, but the police are refusing. They are not allowing us. As the Leader of the Opposition, it is my right to go, but they are stopping me. I was even ready to go alone with the police, but they did not accept that either. They are telling us to return in a few days, but this is against the rights of the LoP and the Constitution," said Rahul Gandhi.

He further criticized the authorities, accusing them of undermining constitutional rights. "This is the new India, where the Constitution is being disregarded," said Gandhi. "This is an India where Ambedkar's Constitution is being dismantled. We will continue to fight for our rights," he added.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also weighed in on the issue, asserting that Rahul Gandhi, as the Leader of the Opposition, had every right to visit the victims of the violence in Sambhal. "Whatever happened in Sambhal is wrong," Priyanka said. "Rahul Gandhi is the leader of the opposition, and he has constitutional rights. He cannot be stopped like this. He even said he would go alone with the UP police, but they refused. The police have no explanation for their actions," said the newly elected Wayanad MP.

She went on to question the Uttar Pradesh authorities' handling of the situation. "Perhaps the situation in Uttar Pradesh is such that they cannot even handle this much. Why do they arrogantly claim that they have ensured law and order?" she remarked.

On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak responded by accusing the Congress leaders of politicizing the violence in Sambhal. He urged politicians not to disturb the law and order in the state. "Sadly, they are trying to politicize the Sambhal case," Pathak said. "Your visit is only spoiling the atmosphere there. Cartridge shells from Pakistan have been recovered, and the matter is being investigated. Whoever is responsible will not be spared," said the Deputy Chief Minister.

"UP has changed now. It needs development, not division...Whenever there is a major disturbance, the police impose Section 144, which prohibits gatherings until peace is restored. As long as Section 144 is in place, Congress should refrain from such actions," said Pathak.

The violence in Sambhal on November 24 erupted when a mob clashed with a team of officials conducting a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque. The survey had been ordered by a local court following a petition claiming that the mosque was built on the remains of the ancient Harihar temple. The clashes resulted in at least four deaths and several injuries. In response, the Sambhal district administration imposed prohibitory orders to maintain peace in the area.

The Supreme Court intervened, instructing the Sambhal trial court to suspend all proceedings related to the Shahi Jama Masjid case, including the survey report. The court further ordered that the report, prepared by the advocate commissioner, be sealed until the Allahabad High Court hears the mosque committee's appeal.​