AZAMGARH, UP – A stampede-like situation erupted at a Samajwadi Party (SP) election rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Azamgarh on Tuesday. This incident closely follows a similar chaotic event at a joint rally by Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav in Prayagraj just days earlier.
Chaos at the Rally
The tumult began when Samajwadi Party supporters clashed with the Uttar Pradesh Police, leading to a stampede-like scenario. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and his wife, Dimple Yadav, were present on stage as the chaos unfolded. Visuals showed attendees climbing the bamboo structures set up for the rally, and party workers dismantling loudspeakers in the midst of the commotion.
Police Response
To manage the disorder, the Uttar Pradesh police resorted to a lathi charge. The scene at the fairground in Saraymeer was described as carnage, with broken chairs and torn streamers scattered across the area. Authorities intervened to control the situation, but the excitement among the crowd made it difficult to restore order swiftly.
Previous Incident in Prayagraj
This incident mirrored events from two days earlier in the Phulpur Parliamentary constituency, where a rally featuring Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav also descended into chaos. There, attendees surged towards the stage, causing severe disruption and forcing both leaders to leave without addressing the crowd.
Despite repeated appeals from Gandhi and Yadav for calm, the crowd’s excitement led to broken barricades and an unsafe environment. To prevent any security lapses, the leaders decided to exit the venue promptly.
Impact on Campaigning
These back-to-back incidents of unrest at political rallies highlight the challenges faced during high-stakes election campaigns. The inability to control crowds not only poses security risks but also disrupts the planned dissemination of campaign messages.
Official Statements and Future Measures
In response to these incidents, SP officials have urged their supporters to maintain discipline during rallies to avoid further mishaps. Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh Police have been directed to enhance security measures and crowd management strategies at future events to ensure safety and order.
The Election Commission has also been notified of these disturbances, raising concerns about the overall conduct of election campaigns in the state.
