Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday strongly criticized the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government over the violence in Sambhal, alleging a “well-planned conspiracy” orchestrated to distract from state bypolls. He called for a murder case to be registered against the police and administrative officials involved.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Yadav said:
“The incident that took place in Sambhal was a ‘well-planned conspiracy.’ Sambhal, known for its brotherhood, has been dragged into unnecessary conflict. The talks of excavation by BJP and its allies across the country are destroying our unity and harmony.”
Claims of Misuse of Power
Yadav accused the state government of using administrative machinery to manipulate by-elections and provoke communal unrest. Highlighting the timeline, he noted that:
- A court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was conducted on November 19, just days before the bypolls.
- On November 22, prayer-goers were allegedly barred from entering the mosque, escalating tensions.
- By November 24, protests during another survey led to clashes where police allegedly opened fire, injuring dozens and killing five innocent individuals.
“A murder case should be filed against the police and administration, and those responsible should be suspended. Justice must prevail to ensure such incidents are not repeated,” Yadav demanded.
Accusations of Bias
In the Rajya Sabha, SP MP Ram Gopal Yadav echoed these concerns, accusing the administration of attempting to “vandalize a 500-year-old Mughal-era mosque” and suppress dissent. He claimed the government manipulated bypolls by “forcibly controlling the voting process” and preventing citizens from casting their votes.
Preventive Actions by UP Police
In response to rising tensions, Uttar Pradesh Police issued a notice to Congress state president Ajay Rai, advising him against visiting Sambhal. The notice cited communal sensitivities and the need to maintain public order.
The violence in Sambhal stems from clashes that began on November 19, following the contentious survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The incident has claimed four lives, injured several others, and escalated political and communal tensions in the region.
Call for Unity
Akhilesh Yadav called for justice and urged the central government to ensure accountability. He warned that the BJP’s actions, including the push for excavations and surveys, are undermining India’s unity and brotherhood.
The Sambhal incident continues to spark debate, with opposition leaders demanding action and the ruling BJP defending its administrative measures.