BJP Critiques Rahul's Sambhal Visit as a Vote Bank Strategy Against Akhilesh's SP

New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) BJP Rajya Sabha MP and National Spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi on Wednesday launched a sharp critique against Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi for his intention to visit the violence-stricken Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh (UP). Trivedi claimed this move was aimed at competing with the Samajwadi Party (SP) for the vote bank in a state governed by the BJP.

Police halted Rahul Gandhi and Congress Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi at the Ghazipur border on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway while they were heading to Sambhal to meet with victims impacted by recent violence, which resulted in the deaths of five youths.

Authorities cited the current law and order situation in the area, which has recently experienced communal unrest following a survey of the Jama Masjid mosque in UP.

During a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Trivedi questioned the motivations and timing of LoP Rahul Gandhi's intended visit.

"Parliamentary sessions are currently in progress, and the internal divisions within the INDIA bloc are apparent to the public. Just yesterday in Rajya Sabha, the Congress raised one issue, the Samajwadi Party another, while other factions within the INDIA bloc took contrasting positions," Trivedi remarked.

He further alleged that the Congress' unexpected interest in Sambhal was merely a tactic for media attention.

"Senior SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav himself remarked that the Congress’s actions are nothing but a formality. I would even argue it’s a necessity. The Congress has remained silent on this issue until now, and suddenly they wish to visit Sambhal for headlines," Trivedi asserted.

Trivedi also criticized the Congress and SP for competing to secure their respective vote banks, claiming, "Both parties are striving for the same vote bank without any genuine concern for the situation in Sambhal."

He accused Rahul Gandhi of selective outrage, referencing incidents in states ruled by the INDIA bloc like the Tamil Nadu illegal liquor case, Sandeshkhali violence, and Karhal rape case, where he claimed Congress leaders have remained silent.

"As the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi ought to address issues on a national scale, not just those in non-Congress-ruled states," he added.

Trivedi also questioned the security measures surrounding the LoP's visit, highlighting his 'Z+' Advanced Security Cover.

"With such elevated security, his plans should be communicated in advance for regional sanitization. This visit appears more to be about competition among the constituents of the INDIA bloc rather than genuine concern," he stated.

Shifting his focus, Trivedi condemned the assassination attempt on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. He criticized the AAP-led Punjab government for its failure to maintain law and order in the state.

"Since the AAP assumed power in Punjab, both the financial and law and order conditions have worsened. The attack at the sacred Golden Temple underscores the deteriorating state of affairs," he noted.

Trivedi attributed the instability in Punjab to the internal conflicts within the AAP-led government, suggesting it is influenced by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

He also highlighted the decline in business investments in Punjab, saying, "Investment has plummeted by 80 percent, according to media reports. The Punjab government must take accountability for this drop in governance."

Trivedi concluded by calling for both Congress and AAP leaders to be held accountable, urging them to prioritize governance over alleged political theatrics.