The political climate in Lucknow is heating up once more on the anniversary of Jayaprakash Narayan. Akhilesh Yadav stands firm on paying homage at the JP Center. The government has halted his entry, erecting a tin barricade at the gates. Akhilesh has declared his intent to reach JPNIC by 10 AM to garland the statue of JP. Reacting to this, Lucknow Police have surrounded JPNIC with a heavy force.
Entrances to Akhilesh Yadav's residence have been barricaded, halting traffic and enhancing security. Police have set up barricades 200 meters on both sides leading to the SP chief’s residence, restricting movement.
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- Akhilesh Yadav accused the government in a post, saying, 'Whether it’s BJP officials or their government, every act is negative. Like before, to prevent us from paying homage to Jayaprakash Narayan on his anniversary, barricades have surrounded our private residence.'
- A water cannon vehicle, equipped with tear gas, stands deployed outside the gate. Female police forces accompany RAF troops, barricading the road heavily to stop any approach. Joint Commissioner himself is at JPNIC, blocking the road completely, which is a common public path.
- On the anniversary of Jayaprakash Narayan, the LDA Secretary issued a letter concerning Akhilesh Yadav’s upcoming visit to JPNIC. 'JPNIC is a construction site with materials haphazardly scattered, posing insect threats due to the rains. Given Akhilesh Yadav's Z-plus security, visiting and garlanding the statue is neither safe nor suitable.' it states.
Source: aajtak
- UP Congress president Ajai Rai commented, "This government lacks good intentions. Last year, similar antics occurred...demolishing the Sarva Seva Sangh in Varanasi and ruining a fine place. Likewise, I suspect they plan to demolish JPNIC and sell it to a big businessman...this action makes them seem dictatorial. Free movement is blocked, and garlanding statues is restricted..."
- A poster from the Samajwadi Party was placed on the JPNIC gate reading, ‘Endless Salutations to Jayaprakash Narayan.’
- Constructed during Akhilesh's rule, JP Center now stands with accusations from Akhilesh of Yogi’s government preparing to sell it. Meanwhile, the BJP government cites corruption allegations prompting investigations.
- While barriers rose last night, Akhilesh arrived, instructing workers to proclaim 'Long live Samajwadi Party.'
JP Center Built During SP Era
The Samajwadi Party accuses of preparations to sell JP Center. Last year, Akhilesh Yadav had to continue the tradition of garlanding Jayaprakash Narayan’s statue at the JPNIC doorstep.
Inaugurated by Akhilesh Yadav as UP Chief Minister in 2016, JPNIC saw construction pausing as BJP took power in 2017. The center houses a museum dedicated to Jayaprakash Narayan and includes other facilities.
Facilities at JPNIC
Constructed with above 800 crore, JPNIC boasts an Olympic-standard tennis court, multipurpose courts, badminton court, a 1000-seat conference hall, 2000-seat convention center, guest house, open-air restaurant, cafeteria, gym, 117 guest rooms, main kitchen, with a pool and helipad on the top floor. Now the premises lay barren and overgrown with shrubs.
