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.
“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.
