PM Modi pays homage to Syama Prasad Mookerjee (File photo)
NEW DELHI: With the maiden BJP govt in Bengal organising a grand event in Kolkata to commemorate Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, PM Narendra Modi lauded his efforts to ensure that the state became a part of India during Partition and said the seed of the idea he planted is now flourishing everywhere.In a virtual address, he said “conspiracies” were devised at that time to separate the region of Bengal from the country. “During this critical time, Mookerjee stood firm against these conspiracies. He mobilised public support, engaged in political struggles, and ensured that Bengal remained an integral part of the nation,” he said.Modi noted that Mookerjee had then stated – “Congress partitioned the country, and I partitioned Pakistan.” The M A Jinnah-led Muslim League had then lobbied to get entire Bengal in Pakistan.Modi also praised Mookerjee’s vision as industry minister in the first govt headed by Jawaharlal Nehru before he quit due to his increasing differences with the first PM. Exploring his economic foresight as industry minister, Modi catalogued the establishment of monumental entities like Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Sindri Fertilizer Plant, Damodar Valley Corporation and IFCI. “He laid the foundation for such national institutions which became India’s economic strength for decades to come,” the PM said.Modi said many ideas lose their sheen with time but the ideological movement that Mookerjee started, when there was little space for a different worldview in the Congress-dominated politics, is continuing to expand at a fast pace.”When govt is formed by those having the resolve of nation first, then national heroes are recognised and efforts made to implement their vision,” he said, asserting that it is a matter of double happiness for Bengal as the event is being held in the state, the birthplace of Mookerjee.”Our govt is proud that we fulfilled his dream by removing Article 370 (in J&K),” he said, adding that Mookerjee wanted all regions and states being equal while holding their distinct identity and believed in the recognition of Indian languages. “He fiercely opposed the talk of two constitutions, two PMs, and two flags in the country,” the PM said. He also acknowledged Mookerjee’s ultimate sacrifice made in Kashmir for unification.
