Sambhal, Sep 9 (PTI) Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal Zia ur Rehman Barq on Wednesday accused the Uttar Pradesh government of pursuing a “one-point programme” focused on mosques, madrassas and graveyards, and criticised officials over the recent demolition of a mosque in Saharanpur.
Talking to reporters here, Barq alleged that the government was not focusing on inflation, employment, education, healthcare or services for the poor, and was instead “harassing Muslims” in the belief that it would help it win elections.
On September 5, 2026, authorities demolished a century-old mosque within the Saharanpur Collectorate complex after a local court ruled it was an illegal encroachment on government land. While officials justified the action by citing due legal process, opposition leaders and caretakers alleged the demolition bypassed proper due process and targeted a religious site.
Strongly condemning the demolition of the Saharanpur mosque, he said it was 119 years old and had documents relating to it.
“I want to ask, since when have officials started playing the role of the judiciary?” Barq said, alleging that action was being taken hastily against religious sites following complaints.
He said officials must work within the law and in accordance with the Constitution, adding that their oath was to ensure justice, maintain law and order and uphold the rule of law.
Barq also criticised notices allegedly being issued in Sambhal and Moradabad, calling such action “completely wrong”.
“I give a clear warning to the officials of Uttar Pradesh: work within the framework of the law. Otherwise, we will fight you legally and strongly in court wherever the battle takes place,” he said.
“We will not sit quietly until we get justice from the courts and those officials who are doing wrong are punished,” the SP MP added.
Asked about similar incidents being reported ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, including in Sambhal, Moradabad, Saharanpur and Meerut, Barq alleged that the government’s focus remained on mosques and madrassas.
He questioned what benefit the demolition of a mosque would bring to Saharanpur’s residents, asking whether it would create jobs, schools, colleges or hospitals.
Barq said he condemned such actions and claimed that even secular members of the Hindu community had begun speaking against them. PTI COR KIS MDO MDO
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