Ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly’s winter session, Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey announced that the Samajwadi Party (SP) would address the escalating communal tensions in the state, particularly focusing on the situation in Sambhal. Pandey emphasized the party’s commitment to holding the government accountable for any attempts to disrupt communal harmony.
Speaking to reporters, Pandey stated, “Tomorrow, we will give notice to the government regarding the communal incidents taking place and the efforts being made to disrupt harmony through riots. We will hold the government accountable for these incidents. Tomorrow is expected to witness significant uproar in the session.”
Responding to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks about the recent discovery of a temple in Sambhal, Pandey questioned the timing of the temple’s recognition. “The Chief Minister spoke, and he has the right to do so. But why has the temple only been found now? Was it excavated, or was it already there and only recently recognized?” he asked.
Pandey reiterated the Samajwadi Party’s commitment to fighting against all forms of injustice across communities, highlighting issues such as unemployment and farmers’ grievances. He urged the government to address pressing matters in Badaun and Sambhal instead of avoiding discussions on these critical issues.
Criticizing the government for deflecting attention from key problems, Pandey remarked, “The biggest issue in the country today is unemployment. Farmers are facing numerous challenges, and to divert attention from these, the government is engaging in distractions. Why is the government afraid to answer the concerns of a state with 25 crore people?”
Additionally, Pandey expressed the Samajwadi Party’s opposition to the idea of early elections, contrasting it with Mayawati’s support for the proposal.
In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath questioned the 46-year closure of a historic temple in Sambhal and the lack of justice for victims of alleged violence during that period. He accused previous governments of neglecting faith and heritage, asking, “Did the administration suddenly build such an ancient temple overnight? Why have the culprits responsible for the massacre in Sambhal 46 years ago not been punished?”
Adityanath also raised hypothetical questions regarding developments in Ayodhya, stating that the transformation of the city and the construction of the Ram temple have brought happiness to residents and devotees. He accused certain groups of opposing these changes, claiming they had inserted the word “secular” into the Constitution, undermining its essence.
The Chief Minister’s comments followed the rediscovery and reopening of a 400-year-old Lord Shiva and Hanuman temple in Sambhal, which had been closed since 1978. The temple was uncovered during an inspection related to encroachment and electricity theft, with officials announcing plans to restore it to its original structure.
