Lucknow: Samajwadi Party leader and Leader of Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Mata Prasad Pandey, said on Saturday that police stopped him and a party delegation from traveling to Bareilly, where tensions have risen following the “I Love Mohammad” row.
According to Pandey, police personnel were stationed outside his residence, and he was served a notice instructing him to stay at home. “A delegation led by me was to visit Bareilly. The police inspector told me not to leave. Later, the Bareilly District Magistrate sent a letter stating that my visit could disturb the atmosphere there,” he told reporters.
The restriction came amid heightened security in Bareilly, where authorities suspended mobile internet services to prevent the spread of rumours and maintain order. Opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party, have accused the administration of using such measures to suppress democratic engagement and hide failures in handling communal tensions.
Pandey criticised the move, saying, “To hide their own shortcomings, they are not allowing us to go there. We will now discuss with party members and decide our next step.”
Bareilly has witnessed unrest following actions against individuals displaying posters expressing love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad. Local police have filed cases and detained several people, citing concerns over law and order. The administration’s decision to restrict political visits and communication has sparked debate over the balance between public safety and civil freedoms in the state.
