"Ruling regime created atmosphere of hatred": Congress leader Venugopal after Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi stopped at Ghazipur border

"Our delegation headed to Sambhal led by LOP Rahul Gandhi ji and Priyanka Gandhi ji has been stopped at the UP border in Ghaziabad. What is the reason behind the UP Government stopping the Lok Sabha LOP from visiting the families of those who lost their lives in the violence? It is basic humanity to stand by someone who has suffered such grief and loss. Rahul ji's motto has been 'Nafrat ke bazaar mein mohabbat ki dukaan'. And when the ruling regime has created an atmosphere of hatred, it is our duty as the opposition to bring compassion, empathy and love," Venugopal posted on X.

"We are determined to meet the victims' families in the interest of peace and communal harmony in our country, the UP government must allow the delegation to visit Sambhal," he added.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders were seen sitting on the road at the Ghazipur border.

Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who are on their way to violence-hit Sambhal have been stopped at the Ghazipur border on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway.

Barricades were placed across the road, bringing traffic to a standstill as the Congress leaders' convoy reached the border.

Meanwhile, the security has been heightened at the border as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to visit violence-hit Sambhal, resulting in massive traffic snarl at the Ghazipur border on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway.

The violence in Sambhal district erupted on November 24 during an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of a Mughal-era mosque. The clashes resulted in four fatalities and multiple injuries among police personnel and locals.

The ASI survey followed a petition filed in a local court, claiming that the mosque's site was originally a Harihar temple. (ANI)