New Delhi: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi moved an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha on December 5, condemning the government’s decision to prevent Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi from visiting Sambhal, a region recently rocked by communal violence.
Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi and other Congress leaders, was stopped by police at the Ghazipur border in Ghaziabad on Wednesday as they attempted to travel to Sambhal to assess the situation. Gogoi described the act as “undemocratic” and a violation of parliamentary principles, stating, “Denying Rahul Gandhi’s visit undermines transparency and accountability. The objective of his visit was to promote peace and harmony, and blocking him disregards the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable.”
Gandhi also criticized the government’s actions, remarking, “As Leader of the Opposition, it is my right to visit Sambhal. This denial reflects the state of ‘New India,’ where the Constitution and Ambedkar’s vision are undermined. We will continue to fight for justice.”
The unrest in Sambhal began on November 24 during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The survey followed a court petition alleging that the mosque was constructed over a Harihar temple. Clashes during the examination led to four fatalities and multiple injuries among locals and police.
Gogoi emphasized the importance of allowing leaders to engage directly with affected communities, adding that preventing such visits suppresses dissent and weakens democratic oversight.
Read More: Assam Police Seize Smuggled Cows in VIP Car, Arrest Two in Gossaigaon