‘Political tourism’: UP DyCM Brajesh Pathak on Samajwadi Party’s delegation to Sambhal todayheadline

Coming hard on the Samajwadi Party (SP) after its delegation was stopped from visiting violence-affected Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said on Saturday that they (SP) are going there for political tourism.

Pathak also emphasised that they will maintain law and order situation in every situation.

“They are going there for political tourism, we will maintain law and order there in every situation,” he said.

Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh stated on Saturday that no one is permitted to visit the area until the situation stabilises.

Speaking to ANI, Singh said, “The standing order of the divisional commissioner is being implemented in Sambhal. No delegation has permission to visit Sambhal. Once the situation normalises, anyone can go there.

“He further urged the Samajwadi Party to cooperate and postpone their visit.”They would not want the situation in Sambhal to deteriorate further. They should cooperate with us and visit Sambhal after some time. The investigation into the incident is underway, and we are collecting all the evidence. So far, we have arrested 30 people,” he added.The official handle of the SP on X claimed that UP SP President Shyam Lal Pal was placed under house arrest on Saturday. The party condemned the actions of the UP Police, accusing the state government of “disgracing” the Constitution and democracy.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey said that the party would decide on a new date to visit Sambhal after consulting with party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

“We will talk to SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and decide the next date for visiting Sambhal. The Samajwadi Party has decided to provide Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those killed in the Sambhal incident. We demand that the government provide Rs 1 crore each to the victims’ families. There should be an impartial investigation into the Sambhal incident,” Pandey said.

Tensions in Sambhal have been simmering since November 19, when a local court ordered a survey of the mosque. Protesting against the court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid, people clashed with the police, leading to the deaths of four individuals.

The survey stemmed from a petition filed in the local court, alleging that the mosque site was previously a Harihar temple.