Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Vadra stopped at Ghazipur border on way to Sambhal, slams police for blocking visit

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were stopped by Uttar Pradesh Police at the Ghazipur border on Wednesday while attempting to visit Sambhal. The delegation, which included senior Congress leaders, was halted due to prohibitory orders in Sambhal, where violence on November 24 resulted in four deaths and multiple injuries. The leaders waited at the border for about two hours before returning to Delhi.

The violence in Sambhal erupted during a second survey of a mosque conducted on court orders. The survey, related to claims that a temple previously existed at the site, led to clashes between security forces and locals near Shahi Jama Masjid. Following the incident, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, prohibiting large gatherings, was imposed across the district.

Rahul Gandhi, speaking at the Ghazipur border, said he was willing to visit Sambhal alone or under police escort but was not allowed to proceed. “It is my right to go as Leader of Opposition. We want to meet the people and understand the situation,” he said. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also emphasized the need for the visit, stating it was important to meet the victims.

Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia wrote to police officials in neighboring districts, including Ghaziabad and Amroha, instructing them to stop the Congress leaders from entering the area. Ghaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra confirmed that Rahul Gandhi would not be allowed to proceed, citing the prohibitory orders and the need to maintain peace.

Congress legislative party leader in Uttar Pradesh, Aradhana Mishra Mona, claimed she was placed under house arrest to prevent her from joining the delegation. “I am under house arrest. This is hooliganism and anarchy by the government,” she said. The Congress leadership criticized the government’s actions and demanded access to the violence-hit region.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak accused the Congress of attempting to politicize the situation. They stated that political visits could escalate tensions and urged restraint. Authorities have reinforced security in Sambhal and neighboring districts, maintaining a heavy police presence to prevent further incidents.