Lucknow, Mar 17 (PTI): AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi's programme in the city today was cancelled after he was denied permission by the district administration to hold a meeting on grounds of "law and order situation" in the state.

An angry AIMIM slammed the SP government's decision to deny permission, saying it was "afraid" of Owaisi as the UP government had "done nothing" for the minorities.

Owaisi is currently facing fire for refusing to chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', claiming that it is matter of personal choice and no one can be forced to do so.

Owaisi, who had to visit Lucknow today, was denied permission by the district administration to hold a meeting on grounds of "law and order situation" in the state, Additional District Magistrate (est) JS Dubey said in his order.

"He is, however, free to visit Lucknow," the order stated.

During his proposed two-day visit to the state, Owaisi was to visit Azamgarh in connection with a programme also but that too has been cancelled.

"Owaisi's programme has been cancelled after the district administration denied permission. As he cannot hold roadshow, address public meeting and cannot attend gathering of more than 30 persons, he has cancelled his visit," AIMIM state president Shaukat Ali told PTI.

Alleging that the SP government was afraid of Owaisi, Ali said, "The present SP government did nothing for the minority community in its four-year regime. It is afraid of Owaisi, who is not only party president, but MP also."

"They have imposed Emergency in the state. A party president and MP is being repeatedly stopped in UP. They are strangulating democracy as Muslim-Dalit are coming with AIMIM and also most backward are also joining the party. This has given reasons to SP to get worried," he said.

Ali said AIMIM supporters would hold a demonstration here against the SP government's attitude towards their party president.