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Nadda pays homage to Mookerjee, remembers his fight against Article 370

The article from ThePrint, titled "Nadda pays homage to Mookerjee, remembers his fight against Article 370," details the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president J.P. Nadda's tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 123rd birth anniversary. The event took place at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on July 6, 2023. Nadda's homage underscores Mookerjee's significant role in Indian politics, particularly his opposition to Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a prominent Indian politician and academician, founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the BJP. Mookerjee's legacy is deeply intertwined with his staunch opposition to Article 370, which he believed undermined the unity and integrity of India. Nadda's tribute highlighted Mookerjee's unwavering commitment to the principle of "Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan, Ek Pradhan" (One Flag, One Constitution, One Leader), a slogan that encapsulated his vision for a unified India.

Nadda's speech at the event was a poignant reminder of Mookerjee's sacrifices and contributions to the nation. He recounted Mookerjee's arrest in 1953 for entering Jammu and Kashmir without a permit, a direct challenge to the state's special status. Mookerjee's subsequent death in custody under mysterious circumstances has been a point of contention and a rallying cry for those who share his vision of a unified India.

The BJP president's homage also served as a platform to reaffirm the party's commitment to Mookerjee's ideals. Nadda emphasized that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 by the Narendra Modi government was a fulfillment of Mookerjee's dream. The decision to revoke the article was seen as a historic step towards integrating Jammu and Kashmir fully into the Indian Union, aligning with Mookerjee's long-standing demand.

Nadda's tribute was not just a reflection on the past but also a call to action for the present and future. He urged party members to draw inspiration from Mookerjee's life and work towards building a strong and united India. The event saw the participation of several senior BJP leaders, including Union ministers and party functionaries, who echoed Nadda's sentiments and paid their respects to Mookerjee.

The article also delves into the broader context of Mookerjee's political career and his contributions to Indian politics. Born on July 6, 1901, Mookerjee was a multifaceted personality who excelled as a lawyer, academician, and politician. He served as the Minister for Industry and Supply in Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet but resigned in 1950 over disagreements on the government's policies, particularly regarding the Delhi Pact with Liaquat Ali Khan of Pakistan.

Mookerjee's establishment of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951 marked a significant turning point in Indian politics. The party was founded on the principles of nationalism and cultural revivalism, advocating for a strong and united India. Mookerjee's vision for the Jana Sangh was to create a political force that would counter the dominance of the Congress party and address the concerns of the Hindu majority.

The article highlights Mookerjee's role in shaping the ideological foundation of the BJP. His emphasis on national integration, cultural nationalism, and opposition to appeasement politics laid the groundwork for the BJP's political agenda. The BJP's rise to power in the 1990s and its subsequent dominance in Indian politics can be traced back to the principles espoused by Mookerjee.

Nadda's tribute also touched upon Mookerjee's contributions to education and academia. As the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, Mookerjee played a pivotal role in advancing higher education in India. His efforts to modernize the university and promote research and innovation left a lasting impact on the Indian education system.

The article further explores the historical context of Article 370 and its implications for India's unity. Introduced in 1949, Article 370 was intended as a temporary provision to allow Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution and autonomy in certain matters. However, over the years, it became a contentious issue, with many arguing that it created a sense of separatism and hindered the state's integration with the rest of India.

Mookerjee's opposition to Article 370 was rooted in his belief that it compromised the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. He argued that the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir was unjust and discriminatory, as it set the state apart from the rest of the country. His campaign against Article 370 gained momentum in the early 1950s, culminating in his arrest and eventual death.

The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 was a significant milestone in the BJP's political journey, fulfilling a long-standing promise to its supporters. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with supporters hailing it as a step towards national integration and critics expressing concerns about its impact on the region's autonomy and security.

Nadda's homage to Mookerjee also served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing India. He emphasized the need for continued efforts to strengthen national unity and address issues such as terrorism, separatism, and economic development. The BJP's commitment to Mookerjee's ideals was evident in its policies and initiatives aimed at promoting national integration and cultural revivalism.

The article concludes by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. His vision for a united and strong India continues to inspire generations of political leaders and citizens. Nadda's tribute was a fitting acknowledgment of Mookerjee's contributions and a reaffirmation of the BJP's commitment to his ideals.

In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of J.P. Nadda's homage to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 123rd birth anniversary. It highlights Mookerjee's significant role in Indian politics, his opposition to Article 370, and his contributions to education and academia. The tribute also underscores the BJP's commitment to Mookerjee's vision of a unified India and the ongoing efforts to fulfill his dream.

Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
[ https://theprint.in/india/nadda-pays-homage-to-mookerjee-remembers-his-fight-against-article-370/2667350/ ]