A political storm has erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow, centered around the Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre (JPNIC). This site, which houses a museum dedicated to the revered socialist leader, is at the heart of a clash between Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and the ruling BJP.
Barricades were placed around the JPNIC on Thursday night, with more police reinforcement arriving the next morning. The timing of this move, just ahead of Jayaprakash Narayan’s birth anniversary, sparked outrage from the Samajwadi Party (SP), which had plans to pay tribute at the site.
Akhilesh Yadav, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, shared videos showing the barricades and police presence outside the SP office. He accused the BJP of using these tactics to prevent SP members from garlanding the statue of Jayaprakash Narayan, as they had done in previous years.
Yadav took to social media, slamming the BJP for what he called “symbolic of their negativity.” He questioned the government’s motives, asking, “What is the government trying to hide by blocking the gate with tin sheets?” He expressed frustration at being stopped from paying tribute to a leader he greatly admires.
The BJP, however, responded sharply. Alok Awasthi, the party’s UP spokesperson, defended the actions, insisting that the BJP “respects and honors all great men.” He then took a jab at Yadav, asking, “Do you have even one quality of Jayaprakash Narayan? You enjoy a luxurious life, while Narayan fought against corruption and misgovernance.”
This row follows a similar incident last year, where Yadav was also denied access to the JPNIC. Undeterred, Yadav famously scaled a wall to garland the statue, continuing the SP’s tradition of paying respects on Narayan’s birth anniversary.
The JPNIC, inaugurated by Yadav in 2016, has become a contentious issue since the BJP came to power in 2017. Construction on the center stalled after the elections, and Yadav has accused the government of intentionally halting progress and considering plans to sell off the building.
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), responsible for maintaining the JPNIC, cited safety concerns due to ongoing construction work and the presence of insects after heavy rains as reasons for denying Yadav’s visit. They also pointed to his Z+ security status as a factor in their decision.
The SP continues to accuse the BJP of “dirty politics” and “attacking democracy,” calling the barricades an insult to the legacy of Jayaprakash Narayan. Despite the obstacles, Yadav vowed that the tribute would go on.
(With inputs from agencies)
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