Kolkata witnessed an emotional day for the family of Syama Prasad Mookerjee as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior BJP leaders recalled his sacrifices and paid rich tributes to the founder of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh. After the swearing-in ceremony, newly elected Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visited Mookerjee's residence and offered his respects to the party icon.
Granddaughter's Pride
For Sarmeela Marquis, Mookerjee's granddaughter, it was a moment of immense pride as her grandfather's name resonated through the speeches of all politicians on Saturday. "To keep his memory alive, the newly elected government must work to turn his dreams into reality," she said, emphasizing the need for the administration to honor his legacy through concrete actions.
Nephew's Reflections
Justice Chittatosh Mookerjee, former chief justice of the Bombay High Court and nephew of Syama Prasad, expressed satisfaction at seeing his uncle's photograph on front pages of newspapers decades after his death in a Srinagar jail in 1953. He recalled that his grandmother, Jogmaya Devi, had appealed to the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for an independent inquiry into his death, but the request was not accepted. Justice Mookerjee noted the significance of the current recognition and hoped it would lead to a deeper understanding of his uncle's contributions.
The tributes paid by top BJP leaders, including PM Modi, underscored the party's reverence for its ideological founder. The event also highlighted the enduring influence of Syama Prasad Mookerjee's vision on contemporary politics.
