New Delhi, 06 July (H.S.):

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday paid tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, stating that had Mookerjee not intervened at crucial moments in history, Kashmir would not have remained a part of India and large parts of Assam and West Bengal would have gone to Pakistan. He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled Dr. Mookerjee's vision by abrogating Article 370.

Addressing a function in New Delhi on the occasion of the fifth Foundation Day of the Ministry of Cooperation, Shah said Dr. Mookerjee dedicated his entire life to instilling the values of Indian identity, devotion to Bharat Mata, and respect for Indian culture among millions of people and party workers.

He said Dr. Mookerjee led the movement against the idea of two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags within one nation and ultimately laid down his life for the cause. Shah added that Prime Minister Modi realised Dr. Mookerjee's long-standing vision through the abrogation of Article 370.

The Home Minister said those familiar with the history of India's Partition understand that if Dr. Mookerjee had not challenged the leadership of the then Congress government, large parts of Assam and West Bengal would have become part of Pakistan. He said it was due to Mookerjee's efforts that both states remained integral parts of India.

Shah further announced that the Central Government would commemorate Dr. Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary on a large scale across the country. He said a series of programmes would be organised in both urban and rural areas to highlight Dr. Mookerjee's thoughts, ideals, and contributions.

He added that Dr. Mookerjee believed India should be governed in accordance with its own cultural traditions, civilisational values, and indigenous ethos, and said his entire public life was dedicated to advancing that vision.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar