Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the death anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee on Monday, praising his profound impact on nation-building. Modi emphasized Mookerjee’s unwavering courage and strength in upholding India’s integrity, stating his contributions will always be remembered with reverence.
Mookerjee, a former Hindu Mahasabha leader, initially served in Jawaharlal Nehru’s first Cabinet. However, he resigned in 1950 and collaborated with the RSS to establish the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951. This party, dedicated to nationalism and opposing Congress policies, was the predecessor to the present-day Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
As an active Member of Parliament, Mookerjee famously opposed the requirement of a permit to enter Jammu and Kashmir, viewing it as an obstacle to the region’s complete integration with India. He was arrested in 1953 for entering the state without this permit and subsequently died in custody in Jammu and Kashmir later that year.
