Once a historic town in western Uttar Pradesh, Sambhal has undergone a dramatic transformation, now standing at the center of political and communal activity. Over the past year, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has aggressively increased its presence, aligning with a larger Hindutva-driven strategy that mirrors its efforts in Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura.

The tipping point came when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a grand Kalki temple in February 2024. This act, along with archaeological interventions and legal disputes over religious sites, has catapulted Sambhal into the spotlight, with critical implications for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

Kalki Temple: A Strategic Political and Religious Move

The Kalki temple, dedicated to the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu, is being positioned as a major religious hub, potentially rivaling Ayodhya and Varanasi in significance. Spearheaded by Acharya Pramod Krishnam, a former Congress leader turned BJP ally, the temple is being used to solidify the Hindu voter base in this SP-dominated constituency.

During the foundation ceremony, PM Modi stated:
“When Lord Ram ruled, its impact was felt for thousands of years. Like Lord Ram, Kalki will impact a thousand years.”

Krishnam added to the spiritual and political fervor, saying:
“Ever since Modi visited Kalki Dham, Sambhal has experienced one miracle after another.”

He was likely referring to the “discovery” of temples and a bawli (stepwell) in the vicinity, bolstering the religious legitimacy of the BJP’s project.

Communal Tensions Erupt After Mosque Survey

Just eight months after the Kalki temple’s foundation, Sambhal was rocked by communal violence in November 2024. The trigger? A court-ordered ASI survey of the historic Shahi Jama Masjid, following claims that it was built over an ancient Hindu temple.

The ensuing violence left four dead and more than 20 injured, turning a legal matter into street-level unrest. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the survey, citing the Baburnama, and connecting the town’s history to Kalki, further entwining religion with governance.

This pattern mirrors the Ayodhya model, where religious site disputes eventually led to electoral gains for the BJP. The timing of the survey and the violence has led many to believe it is a calculated move aimed at polarizing voters.

Rediscovery of Hindu Temples Adds Fuel to Fire

Further stoking tensions was the reopening of an ancient Shiva-Hanuman temple, shut since 1978, which was rediscovered during an anti-encroachment drive near the Jama Masjid. During the operation, three idols were found near a well, later incorporated into restoration efforts.

This event was quickly amplified by BJP leaders, portraying it as evidence of historical wrongs against Hinduism, and reclaiming sacred spaces. The opposition’s criticism that such actions are meant to stoke communal tensions has failed to gain much traction, leaving BJP to control the public narrative.

Western Uttar Pradesh: BJP’s Next Stronghold?

The Sambhal strategy is part of the BJP’s larger game plan to conquer Western UP, a region with Hindu-Muslim parity and a history of communal unrest, notably during the Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013.

The BJP’s electoral success post-Muzaffarnagar emboldened the party to pursue similar strategies elsewhere. The recent by-poll victory in nearby Kundarki, previously held by SP, further indicates the BJP’s encroachment into SP territory.

Sources say that Sambhal is being projected as a new Ayodhya—a symbolic battlefield where history, religion, and politics intersect.

Sambhal’s Electoral History: From Congress to SP and BSP

Sambhal has seen varied political representation over the decades:

• Congress held sway post-independence, with Shanti Devi as a notable MP.

• In the 1990s and 2000s, SP and BSP emerged dominant due to caste-based politics.

• Mulayam Singh Yadav and Ram Gopal Yadav represented the region in Lok Sabha.

• Shafiqur Rahman Barq, followed by his grandson Zia ur Rahman Barq, have retained the seat in 2019 and 2024 for SP.

• The 2022 state elections saw SP’s Iqbal Mehmood hold the Assembly seat despite BJP’s statewide surge.

Yet, the BJP’s systematic focus on religious mobilization shows a clear effort to unify Hindu votes and dismantle caste alliances, especially those that benefit SP and BSP.

Opposition’s Silence: A Missed Opportunity

The opposition’s response has been weak and disorganized. Akhilesh Yadav’s interventions have been sporadic, while Congress has remained virtually silent. Analysts suggest that opposition parties are hesitant to engage in religious debates, fearing backlash from Hindu voters or fragmentation of minority support.

This vacuum has allowed the BJP to dominate the discourse, shaping public opinion without challenge.

Jama Masjid Renamed to Juma Masjid

In a move likely to further inflame sentiments, the ASI recently declared that the Jama Masjid will now be referred to as “Juma Masjid”, which was its original historical name. Though seemingly administrative, this renaming feeds into the BJP’s narrative of restoring lost heritage.

It’s another signal of state endorsement of religious reassertion, adding credence to BJP’s broader agenda in the region.

The 2027 Elections: All Eyes on Sambhal

With UP’s 2027 elections fast approaching, Sambhal is more than just a constituency—it is a stage for ideological combat.

• If BJP successfully consolidates Hindu votes, it may turn the tide in Western UP.

• If SP and Congress fail to offer a compelling counter-narrative, they risk losing critical ground in one of India’s most electorally significant states.

Sambhal today reflects a larger trend—where religion and politics are tightly entwined, and communal identity often trumps governance in shaping voter behavior.

Conclusion: A Town on the Edge of Transformation

Sambhal’s transformation from a quiet historical town to a hotbed of religious politics is a testament to BJP’s aggressive electoral strategy. As religious symbols and historical claims become political tools, the future of UP—and by extension, India’s democracy—may well be written in the lanes of Sambhal.

Will it emerge as a symbol of cultural revival or descend into further division? The answer will unfold as 2027 nears, but for now, Sambhal remains a town to watch.

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