Kolkata, Jul 6 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the abrogation of Article 370 had fulfilled the dream of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mookherjee, while asserting that his ideology and principles continue to shape the BJP’s governance agenda and guide “New India”.
Addressing a commemorative programme through a video message on Mookherjee’s 125th birth anniversary, Modi described him as a visionary, patriot and champion of national unity, and drew a direct ideological link between the Jana Sangh founder’s political struggles and several of the BJP’s signature policy decisions, including the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
“Today, the nation and West Bengal are remembering a great son of the soil, a great patriot who was dedicated to the integrity of India,” Modi said.
In remarks carrying strong political overtones, the Prime Minister linked several key ideological milestones of the BJP to Mookerjee’s vision, particularly the Centre’s August 2019 decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status.
“By abrogating Article 370, we have fulfilled the dream of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee,” Modi said.
Recalling Mookerjee’s opposition to the special constitutional arrangement for Jammu and Kashmir, Modi said he had fought against the concept of “two constitutions, two heads and two symbols” within one country.
The constitutional arrangement allowed the state to maintain its own constitution, fly a separate state flag, and use distinct titles for its leaders — Prime Minister, and not the chief minister, and Sadar-e-Riyasat in place of governor.
Mookerjee died on June 23, 1953, while in detention in Srinagar. He was arrested for entering Jammu and Kashmir without the mandatory permit.
“Dr Mookerjee was completely dedicated to the vision of Akhand Bharat,” he said.
The Prime Minister used the occasion to underscore Mookerjee’s role during the Partition, particularly in safeguarding the interests of Bengal at a time when, according to him, efforts were being made to take the entire province into Pakistan.
“In 1947, when the country was partitioned, conspiracies were being devised to separate the entire region of Bengal from the country. Dr Mookerjee stood firm against these conspiracies. He mobilised public opinion, fought politically and ensured that Bengal remained an integral part of India,” Modi said.
“The Congress divided the country, and I divided Pakistan,” the PM quoted Mookerjee.
Modi repeatedly highlighted the role of the new BJP government in West Bengal in commemorating the Jana Sangh founder, describing it as a sign of a government committed to a “Nation First” approach.
“Just a few days ago, on June 20, Paschimbanga Divas was organised in a grand manner. It was a salute to the land of Bengal and its heritage. Today’s programme is part of the same effort to honour our heritage. I congratulate the West Bengal government for organising such a grand event,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the extensive celebrations reflected a larger commitment to honouring national figures whose contributions had shaped the country’s political and cultural landscape.
“Today’s programme is also a testament to the fact that when there is a government committed to Nation First, national heroes are honoured and every effort is made to work according to their vision,” he said.
Modi noted that the Centre was observing Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary as a two-year national commemoration.
“It began on July 6 last year and will continue till July 6 next year,” he said.
The PM described Mookerjee’s life as an example of how conviction, ideological clarity and commitment could transform an idea into a mass movement.
“Where there is deep-rooted ideological strength, strong resolve and complete dedication, aspirations are eventually realised. Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee lived such a life,” he said.
Tracing the origins of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Modi said Mookerjee had introduced ideological diversity into Indian politics at a time when the Congress dominated the national landscape.
“When Jana Sangh was established, Congress was seen everywhere. There was virtually no space for a different ideology. At that time, Syama Prasad Mookerjee came forward with a new ideological vision,” he said.
According to Modi, the formation of the Jana Sangh was not merely the creation of a political party but an attempt to broaden democratic discourse.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to generations of Jana Sangh and BJP workers who, he said, dedicated their lives to preserving and nurturing that ideological movement.
“An ideology does not become immortal merely because it is founded. It becomes immortal when generations nurture and carry it forward. Several workers devoted their entire lives to keeping the ideology and principles of Jana Sangh alive,” he said.
Drawing a direct line from the Jana Sangh to the BJP, Modi said the movement envisioned by Mookerjee had evolved into the country’s largest political force.
“Jana Sangh may not exist in its original form today, but its ideology is flourishing across the country through the Bharatiya Janata Party. What was once Jana Sangh is today serving the people in the form of the BJP, the world’s largest democratic force,” he said.
Modi said Mookerjee’s ideology is flourishing in the present and giving direction to a new India.
Expressing confidence that Mookerjee’s contribution would remain central to the BJP’s historical narrative, Modi said future generations would continue to draw inspiration from his courage, vision and commitment to national unity.
“I am confident that when future generations write the history of the Bharatiya Janata Party, they will certainly mention Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s principles, courage and far-sighted vision,” he said. PTI PNT NN
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