New Delhi, Jul 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the revocation of Article 370 has fulfilled the dream of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and asserted that the leader’s ideology continues to shape the BJP’s governance agenda.
Addressing a commemorative programme via video message on Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary, PM Modi as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) described him as a visionary and champion of national unity.
“Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee was completely dedicated to the vision of one India, supreme India. He gave the nation the mantra that one country cannot have two constitutions, two heads and two symbols,” PM Modi said.
Recalling Mookerjee’s arrest during his agitation against Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and his death in custody in 1953, the Prime Minister said the Jana Sangh founder had fought for his convictions till the very end.
“He fought for his principles, went to jail and ultimately made the supreme sacrifice for Kashmir. Today, our government takes pride in the fact that by dismantling the wall of Article 370, we have fulfilled Dr Mookerjee’s dream,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also lauded the newly formed BJP government in West Bengal for organising the event, describing it as a reflection of a “Nation First” governance philosophy.
He stressed Mookerjee’s role during the Partition in safeguarding Bengal’s interests, quoting him as saying, “Congress divided the country, and I divided Pakistan.”
PM Modi noted that the Centre is observing Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary as a two-year national commemoration.
Tracing the origins of the Jana Sangh, Modi said Mookerjee introduced ideological diversity into Indian politics at a time when the Congress dominated the national landscape.
“That same Bharatiya Jana Sangh is today serving the people as the Bharatiya Janata Party, the world’s largest democratic force,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that future generations would draw inspiration from Mookerjee’s courage and vision. (KNS).
