A Congress delegation, led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, headed back to Delhi after they were stopped by the police at the Ghazipur border on Wednesday as they attempted to visit the violence-hit Sambhal district. Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had planned to visit the area, where clashes had occurred on November 24, resulting in several deaths. However, the police and local administration prevented them from reaching the district.
Rahul Gandhi expressed his frustration, saying that he was ready to proceed alone to Sambhal under police escort but was still not allowed entry. “As the leader of the opposition, it is my constitutional right. I should have been allowed,” he said.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who was accompanying her brother, reiterated his position, stressing that as a constitutional officeholder, Rahul Gandhi had the right to meet the families of the victims. “Rahul ji is on a constitutional post and has the constitutional right. He should be allowed to meet the victims’ families,” she said.
The situation in Sambhal remains tense due to communal sensitivity following violent protests on November 24. During those protests, large groups gathered near Shahi Jama Masjid, clashing with security forces, leading to gunfire, stone-pelting, and arson. Four people were killed and several others injured in the violence.
In response to the unrest, prohibitory orders were imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which restrict the entry of outsiders into Sambhal without prior approval. These restrictions, originally set to expire on December 1, were extended until December 31. Last week, several MPs from the Samajwadi Party (SP) were also stopped from entering the district due to the ongoing tensions.
Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia wrote to police commissioners in neighboring districts, including Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad, urging them to prevent Rahul Gandhi’s visit. In his letter, the DM cited the communal sensitivity of the area and the ongoing security concerns, noting that external individuals, social organizations, or public representatives must obtain prior approval to enter Sambhal until at least December 10.
On the day of the planned visit, traffic snarls were reported at the Ghazipur border on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway as a result of the police action. The local police also warned that the Congress delegation would be served a notice upon arrival, citing the prohibition orders in place under Section 163 of the BNSS.
While the delegation, including five Congress MPs from Uttar Pradesh, had planned to visit the affected families, they were met with resistance from the authorities. Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai stated that they would insist on allowing a small group, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other senior Congress leaders, to enter the district.
Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to leave Delhi at 10:00 am for Sambhal, meet the families of those killed in the November 24 violence, and return to Delhi by road afterward.