"Saved Bengal from 'bloody clutches of Pakistan'": UP CM Yogi pays tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary
Lucknow, July 6
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday paid tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary and said he played a pivotal role in saving West Bengal from the "bloody clutches of Pakistan".
The Chief Minister also hailed Mookerjee's contribution to national unity and described him as a great son of "Bharat Mata" and a "stalwart freedom fighter".
Addressing a programme in Lucknow after paying floral tribute to Dr Mookerjee's portrait, Adityanath hailed his contribution to the nation and said his legacy continues to inspire.
"The very Bengal that Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee played a pivotal role in saving from the bloody clutches of Pakistan is today governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party, a party that holds him as its guiding light. The 'double-engine' government in Bengal is currently working effectively to restore all sites associated with him. As we gather here today to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, I bow in reverence to the memory of this great son of 'Bharat Mata' and stalwart freedom fighter, and offer him my humble tribute," Adityanath said.
Earlier in the day, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is carrying forward the principle of self-reliance envisioned by Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
Speaking to ANI, Tiwari recalled Dr Mookerjee's contribution to India's industrial policy and said his vision continues to guide the country's development.
"Today marks the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and his presence remains with us... The industrial policy he presented to the nation in 1948 was grounded in the principle of self-reliance... Today, PM Narendra Modi is dedicated to advancing the nation and every citizen based on that very principle," Tiwari said.
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta also paid tribute to Dr Mookerjee and said his vision for national unity had been realised.
"... Dr Mookerjee sacrificed all for the integrity of this nation. The vision he articulated nearly 75 years ago has now been realised. Article 370 has been completely abolished, and the people of Kashmir have been granted the opportunity to witness a new dawn..." Gupta said.
BJP leaders in Delhi also paid floral tributes to the portrait of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra and other senior party leaders took part in the commemorative event.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, describing him as one of India's "most remarkable nation-builders" whose commitment to national unity, education and industrial development continues to inspire the country's journey towards a developed India.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Today, on the 125th Jayanti of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, I bow to one of India's most remarkable nation-builders, whose life was defined by scholarship, courage and an unwavering commitment to national service. He dedicated himself to the cause of India's unity, dignity and progress. Dr Mookerjee's contributions spanned diverse spheres. He was an outstanding thinker and educationist, who supported innovation and futuristic learning. As Industries Minister, he laid the foundations of industrial self-reliance while ensuring that traditional sectors and livelihoods flourished. His humanitarian efforts during the Bengal Famine reflected his profound compassion for those in distress. Above all, his steadfast commitment to the unity and integrity of India remains an enduring source of inspiration. As we move forward in our journey towards a Viksit Bharat, his vision continues to illuminate our path."
In Jaipur, Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma paid floral tributes to Dr Mookerjee's portrait at the Chief Minister's residence.
Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh on October 21, 1951, the ideological predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Born on July 6, 1901, in Calcutta, he was an educationist, parliamentarian, statesman and humanitarian. He inherited a legacy of scholarship and nationalism from his father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, who served as the Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University and as a judge of the Calcutta High Court.
In 1940, Dr Mookerjee became the acting president of the Hindu Mahasabha and declared complete independence for India as its political goal. He later served as Minister for Industry and Supply in Jawaharlal Nehru's Interim Government before resigning. He also left the Hindu Mahasabha in the year Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated.
The BJP observes Dr Mookerjee's death anniversary on June 23 as 'Balidan Diwas' to commemorate his death in Kashmir in 1953.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see how Dr Mookerjee is being celebrated by the current government. He was a complex figure — a nationalist who left Nehru's cabinet due to disagreements, and also parted ways with the Hindu Mahasabha. History is never simple.
The 'double-engine' government reference is a bit political, but I can't deny that Dr Mookerjee's vision for self-reliance is more relevant than ever. The industrial policy he proposed in 1948 was ahead of its time. Atmanirbhar Bharat is a logical continuation.
Hmm, the article mentions saving Bengal from 'bloody clutches of Pakistan' but doesn't detail what that actually means historically. Would love more context about the 1947 partition and his role. Still, respect for his contributions to education and industry.
One of the few leaders who prioritized national unity over personal politics. His sacrifice in Kashmir reminds us that the idea of India is not negotiable. Every child should learn about his unwavering stance on Article 370. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
I have mixed feelings. While I respect Dr Mookerjee's role in national integration, using his legacy solely for political point-scoring feels disrespectful. The focus should be on his ideas of education and industrial growth, not just 'saving Bengal from Pakistan' rhetoric.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.