"BJP Trying To Suppress Our Voice": AICC Member On Stopping Rahul Gandhi From Visiting Sambhal

New Delhi: The Delhi-UP border has been heavily barricaded, with traffic movement at a standstill after a Congress delegation, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, tried to visit Sambhal.

When asked if the party saw a chance to successfully reach Sambhal, a Vikas Awasthi, an AICC member told Timeline that it does not seem likely that the opposition members will be permitted to visit the place considering the central government’s intentions.

Questioning the BJP-led central and state government, he asked, “What are they trying to hide that they are not letting Rahul Gandhi ji go to Sambhal? Their intention is clear: they are responsible for the riots.”

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Addressing the massive traffic jam in the Delhi-Meerut expressway, the AICC member stated that Rahul Gandhi had offered to visit the UP district by himself, but he was not allowed. “Rahi baat jam ki, toh jam lagane ka kaam sarkaar ke log kar rahe hai. Rahul Gandhi akele jaane ko taiyaar hai. Unhe akele jaane de, kya samasya hai? (As for the traffic jam, it is done by the ruling government. Rahul Gandhi is ready to go alone. Let him go alone; what’s the problem?)” asked the AICC member.

The party member claimed that the government was trying to suppress Gandhi, who, as the Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, is the voice of Dalits, women, and minorities. He accused the BJP-led government of consistently trying to suppress that voice, but it won’t be successful.

Responding to the question of if the Congress leaders will return, the party member told Timeline that the decision falls on Rahul Gandhi. He further added that whatever the decision may be, the grand old party will continue to fight for those affected by the violence, “saansad se lekar sadak tak,” and the Congress leader will keep fighting for unity as part of its Bharat Jodo initiative.

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At least 6 people died in the Sambhal violence following a High Court-mandated survey of Shahi Jama Masjid based on claims that a Hindu temple used to be there.

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been imposed in the Uttar Pradesh district until December 31, 2024.