Fri Oct 11 13:03:53 UTC 2024: ## UP Government Blocks Access to JPNIC on Jayaprakash Narayan’s Birthday, Sparking Political Row

**Lucknow:** A political storm erupted in Uttar Pradesh today as the state government blocked access to the Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre (JPNIC) on the occasion of the iconic socialist leader’s birth anniversary. The move, seen as an attempt to prevent Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav from paying tribute at the center, has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition.

SP National President Akhilesh Yadav was scheduled to visit the JPNIC in Lucknow to commemorate Jayaprakash Narayan’s birthday. However, the Yogi Adityanath government erected barricades around the center and sealed its gates, allegedly citing security concerns.

SP condemned the government’s actions, terming it a “continuous assault on democracy” and “a blatant attempt to suppress dissent”. The party took to social media, accusing the BJP of being “afraid of the legacy of Jayaprakash Narayan” and “afraid of the people’s power”.

Akhilesh Yadav, in a series of tweets, accused the government of trying to sell the JPNIC and alleged that they were trying to “erase the memory of freedom fighters”. He also criticized the BJP for its hypocrisy, noting that they erected a statue of their leader, while they were actively trying to prevent the SP from honoring a national icon.

The former UP CM went on to accuse the government of not taking care of the JPNIC and raising fabricated concerns about safety hazards to prevent the SP gathering. He called upon the people of Bihar, where Jayaprakash Narayan’s movement gained momentum, to break free from the BJP’s grip.

The SP chief, however, vowed to continue honoring Jayaprakash Narayan despite the government’s restrictions. He led a procession to the JPNIC and performed a symbolic tribute outside the barricades, highlighting the government’s attempts to stifle their political activism.

This incident has further escalated tensions between the ruling BJP and the SP in Uttar Pradesh, adding another chapter to the ongoing political battle in the state.

Read More