Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav confronted police barricades to pay tribute to a bust of Jayaprakash Narayan after officials prevented him from visiting the JP International Centre (JPNIC). He criticized the BJP government for obstructing tributes to the prominent socialist leader and called on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to withdraw support from the NDA, highlighting Narayan’s significant impact on political life.
“On the birth anniversary of Jayaprakash Narayan, we intended to celebrate at the JPNIC museum. I fail to understand why this government is stopping us. This blockade by the BJP is not new; they have consistently hindered positive initiatives,” Yadav stated.
On Friday, Yadav garlanded the bust of Narayan from a vehicle outside his residence after police enforced restrictions preventing his entry to the JPNIC. Authorities cited security concerns, leading to a gathering of hundreds of Samajwadi Party supporters who defied the barricades.
Yadav urged Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to cut ties with the BJP-led NDA, asserting that the government’s actions disrespected Jayaprakash Narayan, a figure instrumental in Kumar’s political ascent. He condemned the BJP for neglecting the Samajwadi tribute and encouraged opposition to such political blockades.
The former UP chief minister also criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for erecting barriers at the entrance to the JPNIC, where the memorial for Narayan is located. He accused the BJP of plotting to undermine the museum and obstruct tributes to key figures in India’s socialist movement. Yadav took to social media, sharing videos of the police cordoning off his residence, alleging government misconduct and interference with the legacy of freedom fighters.
Last year, Yadav had climbed the gates of JPNIC to lay flowers on Narayan’s statue, which was established by the Samajwadi Party during his tenure as chief minister. Despite the ongoing tensions, Yadav and his supporters made symbolic tributes, further escalating the conflict between the Samajwadi Party and the BJP.
