Kashmir Impulse Desk

Kolkata, July 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the abrogation of Article 370 had fulfilled Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s long-held vision of the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, as he paid tributes to the nationalist leader on his 125th birth anniversary.

Addressing a commemorative programme through a video message, Modi described Mookerjee as a distinguished nation-builder, visionary leader, eminent educationist and staunch advocate of national unity whose ideals continue to inspire India’s development and nation-building efforts.

Referring to the Centre’s August 2019 decision to revoke the special constitutional status of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, the prime minister said the move had realised Mookerjee’s campaign for “One Nation, One Constitution.”

“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. This was not merely a slogan but a call for equal rights, an equal Constitution and an equal national consciousness,” Modi said.

Recalling Mookerjee’s opposition to Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional position, Modi said the Jana Sangh founder remained steadfast in his beliefs until his death in custody in Kashmir in 1953.

“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 Mookerjee’s dream,” the prime minister said.

In a separate message posted on social media platform X, Modi said he bowed to one of India’s “most remarkable nation-builders,” whose life was marked by scholarship, courage and unwavering commitment to public service.

He said Mookerjee’s contributions extended beyond politics to education, industrial development and humanitarian service, crediting him with promoting innovation in higher education and laying the foundations for India’s industrial self-reliance during his tenure as the country’s Industries Minister.

The PM also recalled Mookerjee’s relief efforts during the Bengal Famine, describing them as evidence of his compassion for people facing hardship.

Highlighting Mookerjee’s role during the Partition era, Modi said the Jana Sangh founder had played a decisive part in ensuring that West Bengal remained within India when proposals were being discussed that could have resulted in the entire province becoming part of Pakistan.

“Mookerjee stood firm against these conspiracies. He mobilised public opinion, fought political battles and ensured that Bengal remained an integral part of India,” Modi said, quoting Mookerjee’s remark that “Congress divided the country, and I divided Pakistan.”

Modi said the Centre was observing Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary through a two-year nationwide commemoration beginning on July 6, 2025, and continuing until July 6, 2027, to familiarise younger generations with his life and contributions.

Tracing the origins of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the prime minister said Mookerjee had introduced ideological diversity into Indian politics at a time when the Congress dominated the political landscape.

“It was then that Mookerjee dared to embrace a new idea, challenging all those circumstances,” Modi said, adding that the formation of the Jana Sangh reflected faith in democracy, ideological plurality and public participation.

Paying tribute to generations of Jana Sangh and Bharatiya Janata Party workers, Modi said they had sustained and strengthened the movement through decades of political struggle.

“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 said Mookerjee’s ideas continued to shape the BJP’s governance philosophy and India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

He also praised the West Bengal government for organising commemorative events to honour Mookerjee, saying the programmes reflected a governance approach centred on the principle of “nation first”.

Referring to the observance of Paschimbanga Divas on June 20, Modi said the celebrations formed part of broader efforts to recognise Bengal’s historical legacy and honour leaders who had contributed to India’s unity and national development.