VP CP Radhakrishnan pays tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on Balidan Diwas, hails his role in India's unity
New Delhi, June 23
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Tuesday paid tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on the occasion of his Balidan Diwas, recalling his role as a strong advocate of India's unity and territorial integrity.
In a post on X, Radhakrishnan wrote,"My humble tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his Balidan Diwas. A visionary leader, eminent academician and resolute patriot, he fearlessly championed for India's unity and territorial integrity. His sacrifice and unwavering commitment to building a strong, united and developed India continue to inspire generations."
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Bharatiya Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 73rd death anniversary, hailing how future generations have been inspired by his "unwavering conviction and courage in public life and commitment to national interest."
In an X post, PM Modi reaffirmed his commitment to building a developed India, calling Syama Prasad Mookerjee an inspiration for generations.
"On his Balidan Diwas, I pay homage to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a distinguished patriot, scholar and statesman who dedicated his life to India's development. His unwavering conviction, courage in public life and commitment to national interest continue to inspire generations. Dr. Mookerjee's sacrifice remains etched in our collective memory. We reaffirm our commitment to building a strong and developed India, guided by the values he cherished and served till his last breath," the Prime Minister wrote.
Jan Sangh was the political predecessor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the party marks Mookerjee's death anniversary as 'Balidan Diwas' following his demise in Kashmir on June 23, 1953.
He founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh on October 21, 1951. Mookerjee was a tall political figure in pre-independence India and was the Finance Minister in the Progressive Coalition Ministry headed by Fazlul Haq, from which he resigned in less than a year. He also joined the Hindu Mahasabha, but later quit the year Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated.
After independence, former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inducted him into the Interim Central Government as a Minister for Industry and Supply.
He was a staunch opponent of Article 370 of the Constitution, which was later repealed in 2019 by the BJP government.
Today, Union Minister and Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and other Delhi BJP leaders paid floral tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his death anniversary in the national capital.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It’s great to see leaders across the spectrum remembering Dr. Mookerjee. But let’s not forget that he was also a man of integrity who often stood for what he believed, even when it meant leaving power. We need more such leaders today.
Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s sacrifice reminds us that national interest should always come above everything. His opposition to Article 370 was based on the idea of one nation, one constitution. Glad that his vision was eventually realized. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
A visionary who gave his life for India's unity. His legacy is not just about Article 370, but about the unwavering commitment to a strong India. The current generation must study his life and work. Very inspiring.
While I respect Dr. Mookerjee's contributions, I also think about how political narratives can sometimes oversimplify history. He was indeed a patriot, but we should also discuss the complex circumstances of his death and how different political groups interpret his legacy today.
Balidan Diwas is a reminder that the idea of ‘Akhand Bharat’ was not just a slogan but a deeply held belief for Dr. Mookerjee. He stood against appeasement and for national integration. Salute to his memory! 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.