Jammu and Kashmir BJP general secretary Tarun Chugh on Tuesday questioned the role of former chief minister Sheikh Abdullah in the death of Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, alleging that the absence of an independent inquiry pointed to a conspiracy.
Chugh's Allegations Against Sheikh Abdullah
Speaking after paying tributes to Mookerjee on his death anniversary, Chugh said Mookerjee had opposed the idea of a separate Constitution, flag and political system for Jammu and Kashmir, which, he alleged, Sheikh Abdullah was seeking to establish under Article 370. He claimed that the lack of a transparent investigation into Mookerjee's mysterious death in 1953 indicates a cover-up that remains unexplained to this day.
Mookerjee's Death and Its Context
Syama Prasad Mookerjee died under mysterious circumstances on June 23, 1953, in a Srinagar jail after being arrested for entering Jammu and Kashmir without a permit. He founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, and the abrogation of Article 370 and full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India remained among the party's principal objectives. Chugh's remarks come on the anniversary of Mookerjee's death, reigniting debate over historical events.
Criticism of the Abdullah Family
Chugh also criticised the Abdullah family, alleging that they had denied the people of Jammu and Kashmir opportunities for economic progress and development. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking decisive steps, including the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, to fully integrate the region with the rest of the country.
Political Reactions and Implications
The BJP leader's statements are likely to intensify political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir, where the legacy of Sheikh Abdullah remains a contentious issue. The demand for an independent inquiry into Mookerjee's death has been a long-standing BJP position, and Chugh's remarks reinforce the party's narrative that historical injustices against nationalist figures need to be addressed.
