On October 2, 2025, Bhim Army chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad was placed under house arrest in Saharanpur as he tried to visit Bareilly. His visit aimed to meet families affected by the recent communal violence linked to the ‘I Love Muhammad’ poster controversy.
Authorities intervened, citing security concerns as the reason for restricting his movement. Azad strongly criticized the government’s actions, questioning why he was being stopped if the situation in Bareilly was under control. He accused the administration of authoritarianism and claimed that such measures were intended to suppress the voices of the Bahujan community.
This incident is part of a broader pattern where multiple political leaders have faced restrictions while attempting to visit Bareilly. Earlier, Congress MPs Imran Masood and Kunwar Danish Ali were also placed under house arrest when they planned to visit the district. In addition, a delegation of Samajwadi Party MPs, led by LoP Mata Prasad Pandey, was stopped from leaving Lucknow to visit Bareilly due to concerns over maintaining public order.
These developments have raised questions about the state administration’s handling of the situation and its approach to political dissent. While authorities maintain that the restrictions are necessary to maintain law and order, critics argue that such actions undermine democratic rights and transparency.
The situation in Bareilly remains tense, with heightened security measures and strict monitoring of political movements in the area.
