Guwahati, 23 May (HS): The Assam BJP expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma for naming the newly constructed Lalganesh flyover in Guwahati after Syama Prasad Mukharji, stating that the move was “the need of the time” in recognition of his contributions towards Assam and the Assamese community.

In a statement issued to the media, state BJP media panelist Dilip Kumar Sharma said that during the political crisis surrounding the grouping plan in the post-Independence period, Dr Mukharji had openly supported Assam’s first Chief Minister Gopinath Bordoloi in opposing attempts to include Assam in Pakistan. He claimed that at a time when Jawaharlal Nehru was allegedly inclined towards the grouping arrangement, the firm stand taken by Mahatma Gandhi along with Dr Mukkarji’s direct support gave Bordoloi the courage and motivation to resist the move.

The BJP leader further stated that Dr Mukharji, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, had played a significant role in safeguarding Assam’s interests during a turbulent phase in the 1940s and had established himself as a strong nationalist leader and well-wisher of Assam.

The statement also highlighted Dr Mukharji’s contribution towards the promotion of the Assamese language. According to Sharma, during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, Dr Mukharji gave importance to mother-tongue education and recognised Assamese as a medium of instruction up to Class 10. He also claimed that JB College received recognition due to Dr Mukharji’s efforts.

The BJP leader further said that Dr Mukharji had encouraged the movement for establishing a university in Assam and also credited his father, Sir Ashutosh Mukharji, with playing a key role in introducing Assamese language studies in higher education under Calcutta University.

Calling Dr Mukharji a towering personality and a true well-wisher of Assam, Sharma said naming an institution, road or flyover after him was a fitting tribute. He once again thanked the Chief Minister for what he described as a historic and meaningful decision.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash