Massive traffic snarls at Ghazipur as Congress workers rally ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s Sambhal visit
New Delhi, 04-12-2024: A massive traffic jam was observed on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway near the Ghazipur border as Congress workers gathered in large numbers ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s planned visit to Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh Police erected barricades and initiated vehicle checks to maintain order and prevent any incidents. Officials stated that security personnel were deployed in response to reports of gatherings along the highway.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is part of a Congress delegation intending to visit violence-hit Sambhal. The delegation includes five Congress MPs from Uttar Pradesh, and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is also expected to join. However, the Ghaziabad Police Commissioner has confirmed that Gandhi will not be permitted to enter Sambhal due to prohibitory orders issued by the administration under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. These restrictions, initially set to expire on December 3, have been extended until December 31. Gandhi and his team will likely be stopped at the UP Gate in Ghaziabad during their journey.
Tensions in Sambhal have been high since November 19, when a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque was conducted following claims that a Harihar temple had previously existed at the site. The situation worsened on November 24 during a second survey, as protesters clashed with security personnel near the Shahi Jama Masjid, leading to violence that resulted in four deaths and numerous injuries.
The Congress party has criticized the Uttar Pradesh administration for the barricading and restrictions imposed ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s visit, which they view as an attempt to stifle opposition voices. Despite the prohibitory orders, Congress workers gathered in large numbers, demonstrating their support for Gandhi and his mission to address the ongoing unrest in Sambhal. Security forces remain vigilant along key routes to ensure that the situation remains under control.
