BJP Government in Uttar Pradesh Seeks to Sell JPNIC, Samajwadi Party Vows to Protect It

Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party condemned the BJP government's intention to sell the Jai Prakash Narayan International Centre, asserting that his party will resist such actions and enhance the museum's legacy.

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticised the BJP government for allegedly damaging the Jai Prakash Narayan International Centre (JPNIC) and attempting to sell it. Yadav vowed that his party would prevent any such sale. The Samajwadi Party marked Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan's birth anniversary across various districts, with Yadav paying tribute at the party's state headquarters in Lucknow.

Yadav expressed that socialists have a deep connection to JPNIC, recalling that when its foundation was laid, prominent leaders like Netaji Mulayam Singh Yadav and George Fernandes were present. He emphasised the importance of Jai Prakash Narayan's Total Revolution concept, urging socialists to engage actively on the ground and raise public awareness.

Jai Prakash Narayan's Legacy and Current Challenges

The Samajwadi Party president highlighted that issues like inflation, corruption, and unemployment persist, similar to the conditions that prompted Jai Prakash Narayan to advocate for change. Yadav criticised the government's inability to address these problems effectively. He stated, "The same circumstances that forced Jai Prakash Narayan to come among the people at that age, in a state of illness, to speak for the youth and to call for total revolution, exist till today."

Yadav lamented the absence of other memorials dedicated to Jai Prakash Narayan in India. He questioned how the BJP plans to seek votes in Bihar using Narayan's name when they have allegedly neglected his legacy. "There is no other museum or memorial dedicated to Jai Prakash Narayan anywhere else in the country," he remarked.

Political and Emotional Significance of JPNIC

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister stressed that socialists are committed to enhancing JPNIC under their governance. He accused the BJP of concealing the centre from public view. "The government has ruined JPNIC and wants to sell it," he asserted. Yadav assured that despite any force used by the BJP, his party would not allow the sale of JPNIC.

Addressing a question about foreign policy, Yadav mentioned ongoing discussions between India's foreign minister and the Taliban's foreign minister. He noted, "Our foreign minister is welcoming the Taliban foreign minister. Talks are underway between them." This comment highlighted his concern over India's diplomatic stance.

Yadav reiterated his party's dedication to preserving JPNIC as a tribute to Jai Prakash Narayan's contributions. He promised improvements under Samajwadi Party leadership, ensuring it remains a symbol of socialist values. The party aims to uphold Narayan's vision by actively engaging with citizens and addressing pressing societal issues.

With inputs from PTI