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JP Narayan Birth Anniversary: SP-BJP Clash Erupts Over Garlanding Statue
Tin Sheets, Barricades Mark JPNIC Row
In Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, a political row has erupted between the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over garlanding a statue of socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) on his birth anniversary.
The Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre (JPNIC), which houses a museum dedicated to JP, became the focal point of the controversy. Entrances were barricaded with tin sheets, prompting the SP to launch a fierce attack on the BJP.
SP Alleges BJP Blockade, BJP Counters with Accusations
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav shared videos claiming police barriers outside the SP office and alleged that the BJP was preventing them from garlanding the JP statue. He questioned the government’s motives and accused them of trying to hide something.
The BJP’s UP unit spokesperson, Alok Awasthi, responded by asserting the party’s respect for JP and accusing Yadav of lacking the socialist leader’s qualities. He accused Yadav’s government of misgovernance and corruption.
Yadav Recalls Past Incident, Vows to Continue Program
Last year, Yadav was denied permission to visit the JPNIC and jumped over a wall to garland the statue. He recalled this incident and vowed to continue the program this year despite the barricades.
Yadav inaugurated the JPNIC in 2016 but construction was paused after the BJP came to power in 2017. He alleged that the BJP plans to sell off the structure.
LDA Cites Safety Concerns, SP Sees Political Motive
The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), responsible for the JPNIC’s maintenance, refused permission to Yadav citing safety concerns due to ongoing construction and the possibility of insects. Ironically, they also cited Yadav’s Z+ security as a reason for denying him access.
The SP condemned the BJP government’s actions and accused them of attacking democracy and disrespecting JP’s legacy.
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