NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targetted the BJP-led UP government on Monday, holding it accountable for the violent clashes in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, whilst accusing the party of creating rift between communities.
In a post on X, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha claimed that the administration’s unresponsive actions worsened the situation in the district.
“The biased and hasty attitude of the state government on the recent dispute in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh is extremely unfortunate. My deepest condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the violence and firing,” Rahul said.
“The administration’s insensitive action without listening to all parties further vitiated the situation and resulted in the death of many people – for which the BJP government is directly responsible,” he added.
The Congress leader has requested immediate intervention from the Supreme Court to ensure justice.
“BJP’s use of power to create rift and discrimination between Hindu-Muslim communities is neither in the interest of the state nor the country. I request the Supreme Court to intervene in this matter as soon as possible and provide justice,” he said.
“My appeal is to maintain peace and mutual harmony. We all have to join together to ensure that India moves forward on the path of unity and constitution, not communalism and hatred,” he added.
Rahul’s comments came in the wake of violent clashes that erupted in Sambhal on Sunday when protesters opposing the Jama Masjid survey clashed with security forces.
The incident resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries, including over 20 police personnel, as protesters set vehicles ablaze and threw stones at police, who responded with tear gas and baton charges.
The survey was initiated following a petition by senior advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain, who alleged that the mosque was previously a temple.