What Did Rahul Gandhi Say On Being Stopped From Entering Sambhal? What Did Priyanka Say? What Did UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya Say?

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, slammed the decision of the authorities to prevent him from visiting Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, calling it a blatant violation of his constitutional rights. He was on his way to meet the families of four persons killed during a violent incident at Shahi Jama Masjid on November 24, 2024. Gandhi asserted that, as an elected representative, he should be allowed to visit affected areas, emphasizing, “It is my right to go. But they are stopping me.”

Despite offering to travel alone or under police escort, Rahul Gandhi's request was denied. Holding a copy of the Indian Constitution, he expressed his frustration: “Stopping me from going is against the Constitution. We want to meet the people and understand what happened.” He further criticized the ruling government, saying, “This is a new India that seeks to dismantle Ambedkar’s Constitution, but we will continue to fight.”

Priyanka Gandhi’s Support for Rahul

Accompanying Rahul Gandhi, his sister and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reinforced his argument, stating, “As the Leader of the Opposition, it is his constitutional right to meet the people. He should be allowed to go.” She highlighted the importance of ensuring that political leaders have the freedom to engage with those affected by violence.

Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, along with other Congress leaders, were stopped at the Ghazipur border on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. The Uttar Pradesh government had invoked Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code 2023, prohibiting outsiders from entering Sambhal between November 29 and December 10. Authorities justified the blockade as necessary to maintain peace in the area following the unrest.

UP Deputy CM Accuses Rahul of Vote Bank Politics

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya dismissed Gandhi’s visit as a political stunt aimed at appealing to Muslim voters. Maurya accused both Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav of engaging in “failed politics” and “gimmicks” to garner support from the Muslim community. 

“The peaceful atmosphere in Sambhal must be preserved, and these politicians want to disrupt it for their gain,” Maurya stated, predicting the continued decline of both Congress and the Samajwadi Party.

Prakash Kumar Pandey