CM Yogi pays tribute to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, calls him a 'visionary freedom fighter & nation-builder'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday paid tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his death anniversary, describing him as a "great son of Bharat Mata," a visionary political leader, and a staunch nationalist who laid down his life for a united India.

भारतीय जनसंघ के संस्थापक अध्यक्ष डॉ. श्यामा प्रसाद मुखर्जी जी के बलिदान दिवस पर आज लखनऊ में उनकी प्रतिमा पर पुष्प अर्पित कर श्रद्धांजलि दी।

वह 'एक भारत-श्रेष्ठ भारत' के स्वप्नद्रष्टा थे, जिन्होंने देश के अंदर नई राजनीतिक शुरुआत को आगे बढ़ाया था।

उनकी पावन स्मृतियों को नमन! pic.twitter.com/GcCvv55pI6

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) June 23, 2025

Adityanath participated in a floral tribute programme held in Lucknow to mark the "Balidan Diwas" (Martyrdom Day) of Mookerjee, an ideologue for the BJP.

He was joined by BJP's state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, senior leader Dinesh Sharma, and Cabinet Minister Swatantra Dev Singh.

Today is the sacred death anniversary of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder president of Bharatiya Jana Sangh and a great son of Bharat Mata. It was on this day in 1953 that he sacrificed his life for the cause of national unity," Adityanath said.

Calling Mookerjee a "visionary freedom fighter, educationist, and nation-builder," the CM highlighted his role as a Cabinet Minister in independent India, where he contributed significantly to shaping the country's industrial and food policy frameworks.

Adityanath recalled that Mookerjee resigned from the Jawarlal Nehru Cabinet after opposing what he called attempts to compromise national integrity, particularly over Kashmir.

He strongly resisted Article 370 and the permit system imposed in Jammu and Kashmir at the time, Adityanath noted.

"When the Constitution came into effect in 1950 and Article 370 was introduced after the 1952 elections, Mookerjee raised his voice, stating 'one nation, one leader, one law. Mookerjee was arrested while entering Kashmir without a permit and died in custody on June 23, 1953," he said.

"It took 65-66 years to realise his dream of a unified India," the CM said, noting that Article 370 was finally abrogated on August 5, 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Jammu and Kashmir is now aligned with India's constitutional values, realising the vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'," he added.

Calling the abrogation of Article 370 a commitment of the BJP, PM Modi, and a tribute to Mookerjee's sacrifice, Adityanath offered "heartfelt respects" on behalf of the state government and people of Uttar Pradesh.

Mookerjee was born on July 6, 1901. A barrister and academic, he became the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University at age 33. He served briefly as Bengal's Finance Minister and later as Industry and Supply Minister in Nehru's Cabinet, resigning in 1950 over the Delhi Pact.

He then founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh on October 21, 1951, becoming its first president. In 1952, he entered Parliament. He died on June 23, 1953, under controversial circumstances while detained in Kashmir during a protest.