New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of “tearing the constitution to shreds” following an incident where Uttar Pradesh Police blocked Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Sambhal. The visit was intended to address the aftermath of violence that erupted during a mosque survey.

According to Kashmir Media Service, a delegation of Congress leaders, led by Rahul Gandhi and including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, attempted to visit Sambhal to meet with the families of victims after four Muslims were killed in a police firing at the Shahi Jamia Masjid on November 24. The deaths followed a controversial survey of the mosque, which sparked widespread protests.

The Congress delegation was reportedly stopped at the Ghazipur border, with police citing prohibitory orders in Sambhal. The leaders were detained for about two hours before being sent back to Delhi. Kharge condemned this action, alleging it was part of the BJP-RSS’s divisive agenda.

In a post on X, Kharge stated, “The BJP-RSS are busy tearing the Constitution to shreds with their divisive agenda. Preventing the Leader of Opposition from visiting victim families in Sambhal proves this very thing.” He further criticized the BJP’s actions as contributing to communal tensions and weakening democratic principles, including the undermining of the Places of Worship Act.