Akhilesh Yadav vs BJP: Lucknow JP Narayan Centre Dispute

Summary:

1. Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of installing tin sheets at JP Narayan Centre’s main gate.
2. BJP dismissed Akhilesh’s claims as “childish” and mocked him.
3. Tensions escalated between SP supporters and police in Lucknow.

A major political confrontation erupted in Lucknow on Thursday between Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP government of installing tin sheets at the main gate of the Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre (JPNIC) to prevent his entry on the socialist leader’s birth anniversary.

BJP’s Retort to Akhilesh Yadav:
The BJP hit back at Akhilesh Yadav, calling his claims “childish” and mocking the Samajwadi Party as a “fused transformer.” SP workers, along with Akhilesh Yadav, climbed the barricades in protest and waved party flags. Akhilesh garlanded a statue of Jayaprakash Narayan near his residence amid tight security.

Yadav urged Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to withdraw JD(U)’s support to the NDA government, arguing that this was a chance for socialists to stand against a government that disrespects the legacy of Jayaprakash Narayan.

Controversy Over Tin Sheets at JPNIC:
During his visit, Akhilesh questioned why the BJP government installed tin sheets, suspecting something was being hidden. He suggested the government might be preparing to sell the centre. SP accused the BJP of attacking democracy and labelled the tin sheets at the JPNIC gate as an instance of the party’s “dirty politics.”

Akhilesh had to climb over JPNIC’s gate last year to garland Jayaprakash Narayan’s statue. This year, the Lucknow Development Authority cited safety concerns for not allowing him entry due to the site being under construction. Meanwhile, Lucknow Police imposed traffic restrictions and deployed forces to prevent protests.

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