Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra meet Sambhal violence victims at 10 Janpath, condemn police action.

New Delhi, December 10:

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra meet Sambhal violence victims: Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of Congress Tuesday met with the victims of recent violence in Sambhal at their residence 10 Janpath. They were prohibited from visiting Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh police last week following a series of clashes on November 24 over the government-ordered mosque survey.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra meet Sambhal violence victims at 10 Janpath

The victims shared their ordeal with the Congress leaders who assured them of full support. “Rahul ji listened patiently and assured them that he stands by their side in these challenging times,” said Congress MP Imran Masood.

Rahul and Priyanka Stop at Ghazipur Border

Earlier, on December 4, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi had attempted to visit Sambhal but were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border because of prohibitory orders in the area. The leaders waited at the Ghazipur border for nearly two hours, demanding their constitutional right to meet the affected families.

Criticizing the police action as violating democratic principles, Rahul Gandhi said, “As a Leader of Opposition, I have the right to go to Sambhal and meet the victims. Obstructing me is against constitutional and Ambedkarian tenets. That’s not India that we represent.”.

Priyanka Gandhi further questioned the state’s law and order situation. “If the UP government is so confident about maintaining law and order, why are they stopping us? This arrogance reflects their inability to manage even basic governance,” she commented.
The violence erupted in Sambhal when there was an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) inspection of a Mughal-era mosque. A petition had been filed which claimed that the mosque stood on the site of an ancient Harihar temple. Clashes took place during the inspection and four persons died and several police officers and locals were injured.

In the aftermath, Section 144 was imposed in Sambhal to prevent further unrest. The situation remains tense, with political leaders demanding accountability and justice for the victims.

Congress Vows to Stand with Victims

Interaction of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi with victims has marked the intent of Congress to keep the spotlight on Sambhal and larger issues of communal harmony and constitutional rights. “We will continue to fight for justice and ensure the victims’ voices are heard,” Rahul Gandhi said while reaffirming his commitment to the people of Sambhal.

The visit of the Congress leaders to 10 Janpath in the wake of all this political heat is almost a strong statement against the “new India” wherein constitutional rights are increasingly under a threat.