BJP doesn’t want freedom fightersto be honoured, says Akhilesh

Lucknow: Launching an attack on the BJP govt for denying permission to enter Jayaprakash Narayan International Centre (JPNIC) to pay tribute to the socialist ideologue on his birth anniversary, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said that BJP is against honouring heroes of the freedom struggle as its leaders did not participate in the movement.
"BJP has not contributed to country's freedom struggle which is why they don't want the heroes of the freedom movement to be honoured.It is trying to stop everyone from acknowledging the contribution of those who fought for country's freedom and gave a new direction to the country," he said, addressing hundreds of party workers who had gathered outside his residence on Friday.
"I have come to know that the govt has given Rs 70 crore for JPNIC but the centre has not been opened for people. It means the BJP govt wants to hide something. It seems that a conspiracy is being hatched to sell off JPNIC and make money," he said.
"I visit JPNIC museum every year, but I don't know why this govt stops us from paying tribute to the leader. BJP wants to stop everything that is happening for the good of society," he said.
Akhilesh went on to call upon Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to take note of BJP govt's disregard towards JP – who was a political inspiration for Nitish himself – and quit the NDA.
Nitish is heading the Bihar govt in alliance with the BJP and is a part of the ruling NDA at the Centre.
Akhilesh said there were many socialists who were helping the BJP to lead the govt. "Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself is a product of his (Jayaprakash Narayan's) movement. This is the time for Nitish Kumar to withdraw support from the govt which is not allowing the socialists to pay tribute to JP," Akhilesh said.
"Had it not been for Navratri festival, Samajwadis would have marched to JPNIC and garlanded the statue, and barricades couldn't have stopped them," he said.
"For how long police force will be there. Once they leave, we will celebrate Jayaprakash's birth anniversary right here (at JPNIC)," he added.
Akhilesh said the govt had turned a blind eye to celebrations. "Today is Navami, and look what kind of ‘adharm' they are committing," he said.