Rich tributes were paid to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee on his death anniversary

June 23: Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the predecessor of the ruling BJP was paid rich tributes on his 66th death anniversary on Sunday. Assam Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya paid floral tribute in the statue of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee near Women’s College, Silchar. Speaking during the occasion, Mr. Suklabaidya said, “Dr. Mukherjee sacrificed his power and gave up everything for the unity and integrity of the country”.

Earlier during the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP working president JP Nadda and several other party leaders paid homage to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee at the party headquarters in New Delhi. P.M. Modi described him as a “devout patriot and proud nationalist” and said how the party drew inspiration and strength from his passion for a “strong and united” India.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee was part of Minister for Industry and Supply in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet from 1947-1950, but after a fall out with him, he quit the Indian National Congress. After quitting Congress, Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, which is a predecessor to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He died in Kashmir on 23 June, 1953 under mysterious circumstances.