Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The communal violence that erupted during a survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid in the Uttar Pradesh city of Sambhal this week, leading to several deaths and scores of injuries, has ignited a heated political debate. While the administration works to restore normalcy, leaders from various parties have raised sharp accusations and counterclaims over the incident.
Ghazipur Lok Sabha MP and Samajwadi Party leader Afzal Ansari has called the violence “a well-thought-out conspiracy”.
“This violence is unfortunate,” Ansari remarked during a press interaction. “Under a deliberate strategy, provocations were created, and then, in the name of control, innocent people were targeted with wrongful actions.”
Linking the incident to broader political dynamics, he criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The prime minister says 90 percent of the people have rejected the opposition. If such a system persists, 100 percent of people will have no choice but to accept him,” Ansari quipped.
Referring to states where the BJP has faced setbacks, Ansari further stated, “PM Modi should explain why the people of Jharkhand, Bengal, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh rejected him. Even in Uttar Pradesh, only PDA (Backward, Dalit, and Minority) candidates emerged victorious.”
Countering Ansari’s claims, BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj condemned the violence and called for a thorough investigation.
“We condemn this unfortunate incident,” he said. “Whatever has happened needs to be investigated, and strict action should be taken against the accused. No one should be spared.”
He also highlighted the BJP’s recent political successes, asserting that the opposition was losing its grip. “We’ve created history in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. The opposition is panicked because they know they are losing relevance.”
The violence, which broke out during a contentious land survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid complex, has polarised opinions in Uttar Pradesh. A section of the community alleges that the survey was a provocation, while others claim it was a routine exercise disrupted by miscreants.
Meanwhile, local police have launched a crackdown, registering cases against 2,750 individuals, including prominent figures like Sambhal MP Zia ur Rehman Barq and Nawab Suhail Iqbal, son of the city’s MLA Nawab Iqbal.
The incident has raised questions about communal harmony and governance in the state. Observers see the conflicting narratives as part of a broader political tussle, with each side vying for control.
While the BJP has positioned itself as a champion of law and order, opposition leaders have called for transparency and accountability in handling the violence.
For now, the people of Sambhal remain caught in the crossfire of political rhetoric, hoping for justice and a swift return to peace.
