New Delhi: Commuters endured long delays at the Ghazipur border on Wednesday morning after police erected barricades to stop Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi from entering Uttar Pradesh. The Gandhis, along with a party delegation, were heading to Sambhal district to meet the families of five victims killed in recent violence.
Commuters’ Frustration Mounts Amidst Jam
The blockade led to massive traffic congestion on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, leaving vehicles stuck for hours. Many commuters voiced their dissatisfaction.
Om Prakash, who was returning from the airport, lamented, “I’ve been stuck here for over an hour. Why should the public suffer because of Rahul Gandhi’s visit?”
Shikha Arora, a student, echoed similar concerns, saying, “I started early to avoid delays, but this jam has made me late. Why block the roads for political activities?”
Aruna, who was traveling to Uttarakhand for a wedding, added, “We’ve been stuck for half an hour. It’s troubling, and there’s no sign of the jam clearing.”
Police Justify Action Amid Security Concerns
The police cited law-and-order concerns in Sambhal for the blockade. Prohibitory orders are in place in the district, and the entry of “outsiders” has been restricted until December 10 to prevent any escalation in tensions following the November 24 violence.
Despite being stopped at the border, the Congress delegation requested police to allow a smaller group to visit Sambhal, but the authorities stood firm, emphasizing the volatile situation in the area.
Political Repercussions
The incident has sparked criticism from commuters and political opponents alike. However, law enforcement officials maintain that the measures were necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further unrest.
As the day unfolded, traffic at the Ghazipur border remained slow-moving, leaving frustrated commuters grappling with the fallout of the political standoff