Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh intensified political tensions on Saturday by targeting Congress over Rahul Gandhi’s visit to meet the families of victims affected by the violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Referring to the gathering held on December 10, Singh controversially dubbed it "Meeting Jihad," drawing sharp reactions from political circles. The visit also included Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who joined her brother in offering support and solidarity to the grieving families.
The Congress party shared images of the meeting on X, emphasizing the Gandhis’ commitment to justice and peace. “Today, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi met the victims of Sambhal. The violence in Sambhal reflects the BJP’s dangerous hate politics, which poses a grave threat to a peaceful society. Together, we must defeat this divisive mentality with love and unity,” read the Congress’s post. The party reiterated its promise to stand with the victims, fight for their justice, and promote communal harmony in the face of rising tensions.
The violence in Sambhal, which erupted on November 24, stemmed from a court-mandated survey of the historic Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid. Protesters clashed with security personnel during the survey, resulting in four deaths and numerous injuries. The incident quickly became a flashpoint for political and communal unrest, drawing attention from national leaders and sparking debates about law and order in Uttar Pradesh.
Initially, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government denied Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi permission to visit Sambhal, citing security concerns. On December 4, their first attempt to reach the area was thwarted by the Uttar Pradesh Police at the Ghazipur border. Undeterred, the Gandhis successfully met with the victims’ families on December 10, listening to their grievances and offering assurances of support. Rahul Gandhi reportedly expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged to assist the families in seeking justice and compensation.
The aftermath of the violence continued to unfold as authorities took legal action. On December 12, a case was filed against unidentified locals accused of firing gunshots and pelting stones during the clashes. One of the complainants, a relative of a man named Waseem, detailed how Waseem was struck by a bullet while standing outside his home. Waseem was rushed to a hospital in Moradabad, where he underwent surgery. Reports suggest he is now recovering, but the psychological scars of the violence linger.
Giriraj Singh’s comments, branding the Gandhis’ efforts as “Meeting Jihad,” have sparked widespread criticism. Congress leaders accused him of attempting to communalize the tragedy and belittle the efforts of those striving for justice. “Such statements are not only insensitive but also divisive. The BJP must answer why it continues to stoke hatred instead of ensuring justice for victims,” said a senior Congress leader.
Meanwhile, the BJP has defended Singh’s remarks, accusing the Congress of exploiting the tragedy for political gain. Party spokespersons argued that the Sambhal violence was a localized incident exacerbated by poor governance at the district level and dismissed the Congress's narrative as a calculated attempt to malign the BJP’s image.
Rahul Gandhi, during the visit, also used the opportunity to critique broader issues under BJP rule, including rising communal tensions and alleged government apathy toward marginalized communities. Drawing attention to systemic inequalities, he remarked, “This tragedy is not an isolated incident. It is the product of a larger environment of hate and division fostered by the BJP. Our fight is not just for justice in Sambhal but for the soul of India.”
Priyanka Gandhi echoed her brother’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for political accountability. “We will not let this go unanswered. The people of Sambhal deserve peace, justice, and a government that listens,” she declared.
The Sambhal incident, coupled with the political fallout, underscores the challenges of maintaining communal harmony in a deeply polarized society. As investigations continue and political rhetoric intensifies, the victims and their families remain at the center of a growing national debate on justice, governance, and the future of India’s democratic ideals.
