Were Akhilesh Yadav & Jignesh Mevani Gagged by BJP, Twitter Asks

Twitter called both events undemocratic and dictatorial.

While Jignesh Mevani’s college event in Ahmedabad was cancelled, Akhilesh Yadav was stopped from visiting Allahabad  University. 

(Photo: The Quint)

Why are political leaders who hold a different view than the BJP not allowed to speak in BJP-ruled states? This question was simmering on Twitter after two back to back incidents – HK Arts College in Ahmedabad cancelling their annual function on Monday, 11 February, where Gujarat Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani was scheduled to talk, and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav being reportedly detained at Lucknow airport on Tuesday, 12 February, in a bid to stop him from attending an event at the Allahabad University.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath justified his decision of detaining Akhilesh Yadav, saying it was done to maintain the ‘law and order’situation in the Allahabad University Campus.

But many political leaders questioned the BJP government and accused it of having a “fascist” and “dictatorial” attitude.

Is the Modi government scared to let other leaders interact with students? Twitter asked.

Many Twitter users reminded how bhakts attacked Mamata Banerjee when Yogi Adityanath’s chopper was denied permission to land in Kolkata.

Others called out the double standards of the bhakts protesting against Twitter for freedom of speech.

However, some also accused Akhilesh Yadav of having double standards as he had denied permission to All India Majlish-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi’s rallies when he was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.

The principal and vice principal of Gujarat’s HK College quit protesting the dis-invitation of Jignesh Mevani. Twitterati hailed them and said it was an admirable act.

The general sentiment on Twitter and otherwise is that BJP is trying to stop the Opposition leaders from engaging with the youth because they are scared. Gagging free speech is one of the criticisms that the Modi government has received time and again. The question is if the BJP can afford to take another blow if it wants to form the government again.