A dispute has arisen between the Uttar Pradesh government and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav regarding the tribute to the statue of Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) in Lucknow.
On the occasion of JP’s birth anniversary, Akhilesh Yadav visited the Jayaprakash Narayan International Center (JPNIC) but was not permitted by the administration to garland the statue. Barricades were also set up around his residence to prevent him from proceeding, leading to a gathering of Samajwadi Party supporters outside his home, where they chanted slogans against the government.
Although Akhilesh Yadav managed to garland JP’s statue outside his house, he was unable to access JPNIC. The former Chief Minister accused the government of attempting to conceal something by obstructing his visit.
He expressed his grievances in a post on the social media platform X, stating, “Whether it is BJP officials or their government, every action they take symbolizes negativity. Once again, barricades have been erected around our private residence to prevent Samajwadi members from paying tribute to ‘Jayaprakash Narayan ji’ on his birth anniversary.”
Previously, during Jayaprakash Narayan Jayanti, the administration also attempted to prevent Akhilesh Yadav from visiting, but he had managed to bypass security by climbing over a wall. This time, however, a tin shed was erected at the entrance to further impede his access.
Akhilesh Yadav raised concerns about the tin shed, which the administration claimed was necessary for security reasons due to ongoing construction that began during his tenure. He alleged that these actions were being directed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which he believes aims to sell JPNIC.
Describing the situation as a “murder of democracy,” Akhilesh placed the statue of JP from his residence on the road and garlanded it, asserting that the current government exists due to the support of socialists.
He also urged former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to withdraw his support from the NDA, highlighting that Kumar emerged from the JP movement and shares a belief in Jayaprakash Narayan. Akhilesh expressed concern that the memorial at JPNIC has been obscured as part of a conspiracy to sell it, questioning the rationale behind a government that seeks to sell a museum.
