- Recalls His Role in National Unity and Assam’s Future
Guwahati, 23 June (HS): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Assam Pradesh, on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee on the occasion of Balidan Divas, remembering his sacrifice and contribution to India's unity, integrity and nation-building. BJP spokesperson Mita Nath Bora said Dr. Mukherjee’s death in detention in Jammu and Kashmir on June 23, 1953, remains one of the most significant and debated episodes in independent India’s political history.
She described Dr. Mukherjee as a fearless nationalist who dedicated his life to safeguarding the unity and civilisational strength of the country. At a time when the nation was recovering from the trauma of Partition, he firmly opposed arrangements that he believed weakened national integration. His famous slogan, “Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur do Nishan nahi chalenge,” became a symbol of his commitment to a united India.
Bora noted that Dr. Mukherjee strongly opposed the separate constitutional and political arrangements then prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir, including the permit system for Indian citizens. In 1953, he entered the state in protest against the system, was detained, and later killed in custody in Srinagar. Questions regarding the circumstances of his death have continued to be raised over the years, making Balidan Divas a day of both remembrance and reflection on his sacrifice.
Highlighting his connection with Assam, Bora said Dr. Mukherjee played an important role in ensuring that Assam remained an integral part of India during the turbulent period surrounding Partition. His support at the national level strengthened the efforts of Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi and other leaders who worked to safeguard Assam’s future within the Indian Union.
She further stated that Dr. Mukherjee’s association with Assam extended beyond politics. As Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, he encouraged the academic recognition of the Assamese language by introducing it within the Modern Indian Languages programme for postgraduate studies. His respect for Assamese language, literature and culture reflected his broader vision of a united India enriched by its diverse linguistic and cultural traditions.
Bora said that as Assam continues to progress with confidence, development and cultural pride, the state remembers Dr. Mukherjee with gratitude for his contribution to its future. She added that his life serves as a reminder that national unity is sustained through courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to the nation.
Paying homage to the late leader, BJP Assam Pradesh reaffirmed its commitment to his enduring ideals of one nation, one Constitution, one national flag and a shared national destiny.-----------
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
