Kolkata is set to witness the construction of a 125-foot-tall statue of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, as announced by state minister Agnimitra Paul. The monumental tribute is planned to coincide with Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary year, with the foundation stone scheduled to be laid on July 5.
Statue Location and Planning
The statue is likely to be erected in Bhowanipore, the neighborhood where Mookerjee's ancestral house is situated. Paul stated that the exact site will be finalized after consultations with the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Information and Cultural Affairs (I&CA) department. A yearlong, statewide celebration will also be organized by the I&CA department to commemorate the occasion.
Cultural and Inspirational Significance
BJP state functionaries have expressed that the statue will stand as a symbol of Bengal's cultural pride and serve as an inspiration for future generations. It will remind people of Mookerjee's vision for a strong and unified India. The project aims to honor his contributions to the nation and his role in shaping the political landscape.
Currently, the tallest statue of Mookerjee in India is located at Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. That bronze statue, designed by renowned sculptors Ram Sutar and Mantu Ram, stands at 65 feet. It was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25, 2025, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Anticipated Participation
A senior functionary from the Bengal BJP indicated that a high-ranking official from the central government is likely to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony. The event is expected to draw significant attention, highlighting the importance of Mookerjee's legacy in the region.
