Samajwadi Party Accuses BJP of Blocking Access to Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre on Anniversary

The Samajwadi Party has criticised the Yogi Adityanath administration for allegedly blocking access to the Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre (JPNIC) with tin sheets. This move appears to be aimed at preventing Akhilesh Yadav, the party's president, from visiting the site. The incident coincides with the birth anniversary of socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan on 12 October.

Last year, Akhilesh Yadav had to climb over the JPNIC gate in Gomti Nagar to pay respects to a statue of Jai Prakash Narayan. The Samajwadi Party shared a video on social media showing workers putting up tin sheets at the JPNIC entrance. The party condemned this action, calling it an attack on democracy by the BJP government.

Allegations of Political Motives

The Samajwadi Party accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of engaging in "dirty politics" by erecting barricades. They claimed that this act disrespects prominent figures and hinders development projects like JPNIC in Lucknow. "Socialists will not bow down to these dictators!" the party declared in their statement.

Akhilesh Yadav also expressed his disapproval on social media, stating: "Preventing someone from bowing or paying homage is not a sign of civilized people." This comment highlights his frustration with the government's actions during this significant occasion.

Background of JPNIC

The Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre was inaugurated by Akhilesh Yadav in 2016 when he served as Uttar Pradesh's chief minister. However, construction work on the building was halted after the BJP assumed power in 2017. The centre includes various facilities, such as the Jayaprakash Narayan Interpretation Centre and a museum.

The Samajwadi Party's criticism underscores ongoing political tensions in Uttar Pradesh. The party continues to voice its opposition to what it perceives as undemocratic practices by the current state government.