Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed Uttar Pradesh police on Wednesday for blocking his convoy at the Ghazipur border, preventing his visit to violence-hit Sambhal. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, termed the move unconstitutional and accused the state authorities of denying him his right to meet affected people.
Rahul Gandhi: ?This is against the Constitution?
Speaking at the Ghazipur border, Rahul Gandhi said, ?As Leader of the Opposition, it is my constitutional right to visit Sambhal and meet the people affected by the violence. The police are not only stopping me but also refusing to let me proceed alone under their supervision. This is an attack on the Constitution and Ambedkar?s vision for India.?
He added that the police had assured him he could visit Sambhal after a few days but reiterated his intention to meet the victims immediately. Gandhi criticized the government, saying, ?This is the new India, where constitutional rights are being trampled. We will continue to fight for the people?s rights.?
Priyanka Gandhi: ?Leader of the Opposition Has Rights?
Backing her brother, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the Uttar Pradesh government of failing to handle the situation. She told ANI, ?Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of the Opposition. He has a constitutional right to visit the victims. Even when he offered to go alone with police protection, they refused. This raises serious questions about the state?s law and order situation.?
She further criticized the UP police for their alleged lack of accountability and questioned their claim of restoring peace in the area.
UP Deputy CM: ?Congress Politicizing the Issue?
In response, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak accused Congress of politicizing the violence in Sambhal. He appealed to politicians to respect the law and order in the state.
?Cartridge shells linked to Pakistan have been recovered in Sambhal, and an investigation is underway. Section 144 has been imposed to maintain peace. Congress leaders are trying to disrupt this by creating unnecessary political drama. UP has moved towards development and better law and order; such divisive politics will not succeed,? Pathak said.
Background on Sambhal Violence
Sambhal recently witnessed violent clashes, raising concerns about law and order in the region. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which reportedly involved smuggled ammunition.
Rahul Gandhi?s blocked visit has further fueled tensions, with Congress accusing the BJP-led government of suppressing opposition voices and constitutional freedoms. Meanwhile, state authorities maintain that their actions were necessary to ensure peace in the volatile region.
