Pays Tribute on Balidan Diwas, Says Mookerjee Sacrificed His Life for ‘One Nation, One Constitution’
Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday paid tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his death anniversary, saying his dream of complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country was fulfilled through the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Addressing a gathering during the launch of NAFED’s auction portal in New Delhi, Shah described June 23 as an inspiring day for Bharatiya Janata Party workers, stating that Mookerjee sacrificed his life for national unity and integrity.
“Today, June 23, is a very inspiring day for many workers like me associated with the BJP. It was on this day that Syama Prasad Mookerjee sacrificed his life to uphold the vision of one nation, one constitution and one leadership,” Shah said.
The Home Minister said Mookerjee died under suspicious circumstances while in custody in Jammu and Kashmir and did not receive proper medical treatment.
Recalling Mookerjee’s role during the partition of India, Shah said he fought to ensure that West Bengal remained part of India while East Bengal became part of Pakistan.
Referring to the erstwhile special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said Article 370 had created a separate constitutional framework in the region with its own constitution, flag and governance structure.
“Article 370 had given Kashmir a separate constitution, separate flag and separate constitutional arrangements. This was dangerous for the unity and integrity of India,” he said.
Shah said Mookerjee strongly opposed the arrangement and launched a movement against it, raising the slogan that one country could not have two constitutions, two flags and two prime ministers.
“He marched from Delhi to Kashmir and refused to seek a permit for entering Jammu and Kashmir, saying Kashmir was an integral part of India. He was arrested and later died in custody,” Shah said.
The Home Minister asserted that Mookerjee’s vision became a reality after the abrogation of Article 370.
“Today, Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s dream has come true. Article 370 has been abrogated and the country stands united under one constitution,” he said.
Shah also highlighted the growth of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, founded by Mookerjee, into the Bharatiya Janata Party, describing it as a testament to his enduring legacy.