New Delhi, 23 June (H.S.): The Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday paid tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder, eminent nationalist thinker, and educationist Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 73rd Martyrdom Day by organising a commemorative programme at his memorial near Delhi Gate. Party leaders also planted saplings at the memorial site as a mark of respect.

BJP National Organising Secretary and senior leader V. Satish, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra, State Organisation General Secretary Pawan Rana, and other senior leaders paid floral tributes to Dr. Mookerjee's statue during the programme, which was conducted by State General Secretary Vishnu Mittal. They also addressed a large gathering of party workers.

Recalling Dr. Mookerjee's life and contributions, V. Satish said that his life was dedicated to India's unity, integrity, and cultural nationalism. He said it was unfortunate that for decades after Independence, under the influence of a particular political ideology, the contributions of great national figures like Dr. Mookerjee did not receive the recognition they deserved. He added that deliberate attempts were made to keep Dr. Mookerjee's ideas, struggles, and sacrifice out of the mainstream of history.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the day commemorates the noble soul who founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which has today evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party, providing leadership and guidance to the entire nation. She described Dr. Mookerjee's life as a source of inspiration and said that while the principle of Nation First guides the country today, it was Dr. Mookerjee who instilled that spirit. She urged everyone to pledge to carry forward his message in the service of the nation.

The Chief Minister further said that Dr. Mookerjee had championed the vision of One Nation, One Law, One Constitution, and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid him a true tribute by abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, thereby fulfilling his dream. She also remarked that victory in West Bengal would be a significant tribute to Dr. Mookerjee.

Delhi BJP President and Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra said that Dr. Mookerjee, who always worked with a Nation First approach, had envisioned a self-reliant India long before the concept gained prominence.

Malhotra said Dr. Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh to strengthen nationalism and preserve India's unity. He also launched a movement against the permit system that required a separate permit to enter Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that one nation must have one law and one Constitution.

He added that Dr. Mookerjee made education a means of nation-building, industry the foundation of self-reliance, and politics a vehicle for national service. He upheld the dignity of the Constitution as paramount and regarded national unity as India's greatest strength.

Among those present at the programme were Union Minister of State Durgadas Uikey; Members of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, Yogender Chandolia, Bansuri Swaraj, Swati Maliwal, and Gajendra Patel; Delhi Government Ministers Dr. Pankaj Singh and Ravinder Indraj Singh; Delhi Jal Board Vice-Chairman Satish Upadhyay; Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi; former Delhi BJP President Vijay Goel; along with several senior party leaders, state and district office-bearers, MLAs, and municipal councillors, all of whom paid tribute to Dr. Mookerjee on the occasion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar