New Delhi [India], December 3 : Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav over his statement in Parliament regarding the Sambhal incident.
Singh accused the SP chief of misleading the House and claimed that being "anti-Hindu" is inherent in his character.
"Akhilesh Yadav was misleading the House. He also raised questions about the court. Akhilesh Yadav never abides by the law. Being anti-Hindu is in his DNA. His government fired shots at Ram-bhakts. He can do anything for Muslim votes," the Union Minister alleged.
This statement came after Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government in the Lok Sabha over the Sambhal incident.
Addressing the lower house, the SP chief accused the state administration of orchestrating a "well-planned conspiracy" to divert attention from the state bypolls. He also called for a "murder case" to be registered against the police and the administration.
Akhilesh Yadav demanded the suspension of those responsible and claimed that the actions of the BJP and its allies, including their discussions on "excavation," were threatening the country's unity and brotherhood.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Yadav said, "Sambhal, known for its brotherhood, became the target of a well-planned conspiracy. The incident was deliberately orchestrated. Talks of excavation across the country by BJP and its allies are destroying the unity and brotherhood of the nation."
He added, "This is a conspiracy because the by-elections in Uttar Pradesh were initially scheduled for November 13 but were postponed to November 20. This BJP government does not believe in the Constitution."
Yadav further elaborated, "A petition was filed against the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, and a court order for a survey was issued without hearing the other side. On November 19, the survey was conducted, and the report was to be submitted to the court. On November 22, people arriving at the mosque to offer prayers were prevented from doing so. Despite this, prayers were offered peacefully. On November 24, during another survey, people gathered to inquire about the reason. When questioned about the survey, the Circle Officer abused those present, and a lathi charge followed. The police then opened fire using both government and private weapons, injuring dozens and killing five innocent people. A murder case should be filed against the police and administration, and those responsible should be suspended to ensure justice and prevent future incidents."
In the Rajya Sabha, Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav also raised concerns about the Sambhal incident. He accused the district administration of attempting to "vandalise" a 500-year-old Mughal-era mosque, which allegedly led to violence and loss of lives in the area.
The SP MP further accused the Uttar Pradesh government of manipulating the by-elections and forcibly controlling the polls by restricting people's ability to vote.
Tensions in Sambhal have been high since November 19, following clashes between protesters and police over a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid. The violence resulted in four deaths.