ARABIAN TIMES NEWS NETWORK
In a strongly worded statement, Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav condemned the removal of the statue of renowned freedom fighter and former legislator Jagannath Prasad Agrawal, popularly known as Jagan Babu Ji, from the main Biswan intersection in Sitapur. Yadav described the act as “unfortunate and politically motivated, filled with malicious and jealous intent.”
Jagannath Prasad Agrawal, honored with the title “Gandhi of Sitapur,” was a highly respected figure in India’s freedom struggle. Serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1937 to 1952 and later as a Rajya Sabha Member from 1952 to 1964, Agrawal devoted his life to the ideals of truth, non-violence, and social welfare. His contribution to India’s independence and his influence on the socio-political landscape of Sitapur remain deeply revered.
However, his legacy has now become the center of political controversy following the removal of his statue. Akhilesh Yadav accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of systematically disrespecting freedom fighters and distorting historical contributions. In his tweet, Yadav asserted that the BJP, lacking its own icons from the freedom movement, is resorting to “tampering with the statues and history of real freedom fighters out of political malice.”
The SP leader emphasized that such actions reflect not only political intolerance but also a growing disregard for the country’s historical heritage. He further stated that the repeated instances of removing or neglecting memorials of freedom fighters reveal an alarming trend of erasing the contributions of those who fought for India’s independence. The BJP government’s attitude toward national heroes exposes its insecurity and narrow-mindedness, Yadav remarked, adding that this act was not just an insult to one leader but to the entire spirit of the freedom struggle.
Akhilesh Yadav assured the people of Sitapur that when the Samajwadi Party returns to power, the statue of Jagan Babu Ji will be “respectfully reinstalled at the same place” to restore the dignity of the great freedom fighter and honor the sentiments of the people. The controversy has sparked outrage among local residents and political activists, many of whom have demanded immediate action and a public explanation. The incident serves as yet another reminder of how political rivalries continue to overshadow India’s shared legacy of freedom and sacrifice.
