In Sambhal, a court-ordered Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) examination of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a 500-year-old mosque, led to violent clashes resulting in five deaths and numerous injuries. The survey aimed to investigate claims that the mosque was built over a demolished Hindu temple. Tensions escalated when the mosque's ablution tank was drained, sparking rumors of desecration. The incident has been criticized by opposition parties, who accuse the BJP of inciting unrest for political gain.
Former Lucknow University Vice-Chancellor and social activist Professor Roop Rekha Verma accused the BJP-led state government of promoting communal polarization. She stated, "Such incidents are happening across the country, but these cannot be dismissed as a mere coincidence given the political groundwork for the 2027 Assembly election."
The Samajwadi Party (SP) has also criticized the state government over the ASI survey in Sambhal. SP spokesperson Ameeque Jamei accused the BJP of provoking unrest for political gains, stating, "The Sambhal police and administration, along with the BJP, have been provoking people in the Shahi Masjid issue in the name of an ASI survey."
In Jaunpur, tensions have risen over a local mosque following petitions challenging its legitimacy. These disputes have led to increased communal tensions, with political parties accused of exploiting religious sentiments to consolidate their voter bases.
The BJP has been accused of using religious polarization as an electoral strategy in Uttar Pradesh. Analysts note that communal politics has been a recurring theme in the state's elections, with parties speaking with religious undertones to win votes.