During a debate in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, SP leader Akhilesh Yadav wondered about the motive and timing behind the violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. The BJP orchestrated a ‘well planned conspiracy’ to disturb communal harmony and divert public attention from alleged irregularities in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls, Yadav said.
Contested court ordered survey of Shahi Jama Masjid, says Yadav, saying it was carried out without listening to Muslim community view. Five people were killed and dozens were injured, including two dozen police, in violence that follows a November 24 survey. He also demanded an end to suspension of police and administrative officials and declared that victims need to be given an end to accountability and justice.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, meanwhile, hinted at a power struggle between himself and PM Narendra Modi that SP chief has also made comments on. Part of BJP’s narrative aimed at revisiting historical structures across the country, he said, is that it jeopardises India’s communal harmony and brotherhood.
In response, BJP MP Kanwar Tanwar Singh from Amroha denied Yadav’s allegations, saying police did not fire and casualties came from protestors’ action. Singh said the incident was like the Sabarmati report and Yadav’s remarks were baseless.
A local court’s order decreeing a survey following a petition on the mosque having been constructed atop Harihar temple triggered violence in Sambhal. Political exchanges have turned heated over the incident, with Yadav claiming a communal motive and the BJP defending the court’s decision.
Communal tensions have risen, and both sides are blaming each other for the unrest, after the tragic events. Looking to keep communities safe and bring them back to normal remains on investigations.
