Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Wednesday said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wants to harvest votes in Sambhal.

In response to the restrictions, Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai has urged the authorities to allow a smaller group, including Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and the state in-charge, Avinash Pande, to enter the district. Rai emphasized the importance of the delegation's visit to express solidarity with the families affected by the violence.

Authorities on Wednesday cited prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and concerns over law and order in stopping the Congress delegation. Rahul Gandhi criticised the move,

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and his sister and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, were stopped by the Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday when they were on their way to violence-hit Sambhal.

While speaking at the Ghazipur border, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on being stopped from visiting violence-hit Sambhal asserted that this is against the rights of the LoP and against the Constitution.He said,

Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi was stopped at Ghazipur border. He was attempting to visit Sambhal after recent violence. Police cited prohibitory orders. Gandhi argued his constitutional right to visit.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi were barred by UP police from entering Sambhal, a district recently hit by violence following a mosque survey. Gandhi, asserting his right as Leader of the Opposition,

The police halted their convoy at the Ghazipur border. The delegation, which included several Congress leaders, was headed to meet the families of the victims of the violence.