Lucknow JPNIC Controversy: Major Protest Breaks Out At Jayaprakash Narayan's Birth Anniversary

On the occasion of Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan's birth anniversary, Samajwadi Party national president and Kannauj MP Akhilesh Yadav was set to visit the Jayaprakash Narayan International Center (JPNIC) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. However, before his arrival, the Yogi government covered the center's gate with a barrier. Additionally, multiple barricades were set up along the routes from Akhilesh's residence to JPNIC, igniting political tensions. In response to the government's actions, the Samajwadi Party launched a sharp attack, expressing their outrage on the social media platform X. They stated, "The incompetent BJP government is continuously assaulting democracy! The attempt by the UP government to again lock the JPNIC, built in honor of Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan ji, is highly condemnable. Preventing us from paying tribute to his statue reflects the BJP's dirty politics. This anti-people government is dishonoring great personalities by ruining developmental works like JPNIC in Lucknow. We, the Samajwadis, will not bow before these tyrants!" Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav commented on the issue, suggesting that the government is trying to hide something by erecting the tin barrier. He questioned whether there are plans to sell the center or transfer it to someone else. He emphasized that every year, Samajwadi members gather at this site to commemorate Jayaprakash Narayan's birthday, stating, "This is not the first time." In a post on X, Akhilesh wrote, "This is the BJP's sham of 'Amrit Kaal' under its rule, where they are blocking the way for the public to pay tribute. The wall raised symbolizes their closed mindset. The BJP harbors malice against every freedom fighter like Jayaprakash Narayan ji who participated in the struggle for independence. Their guilt for not having contributed to the country’s freedom prevents them from allowing the public to pay tribute even on the anniversaries of revolutionaries. Shameful!"