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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 focused on Mookerjee's significant contributions to Indian politics, particularly his staunch 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 the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the BJP, is remembered for his relentless fight against Article 370. Nadda highlighted Mookerjee's slogan, "Ek desh mein do vidhan, do pradhan, do nishan nahi chalenge" (In one country, two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two flags will not be allowed), which encapsulated his opposition to the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. This slogan became a rallying cry for those who believed in the unity and integrity of India.

Nadda's speech underscored Mookerjee's dedication to national integration and his belief that Article 370 was a hindrance to the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India. He praised Mookerjee's foresight and determination, noting that his efforts laid the groundwork for the eventual abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 by the Narendra Modi government. This move was seen as a fulfillment of Mookerjee's vision and a significant step towards national unity.

The article also delves into the historical context of Mookerjee's fight against Article 370. Mookerjee resigned from Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet in 1950 over the issue of the Delhi Pact with Liaquat Ali Khan of Pakistan, which he believed compromised India's interests. He then founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, with the aim of promoting a nationalist agenda and opposing what he saw as divisive policies like Article 370.

Mookerjee's campaign against Article 370 was not just a political stance but a deeply held belief in the unity of India. He argued that the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir created a sense of separatism and was detrimental to the nation's integrity. His efforts to mobilize public opinion against Article 370 included organizing protests and rallies, and he even went to Jammu and Kashmir to challenge the permit system that restricted the movement of Indian citizens into the state.

Tragically, Mookerjee's fight against Article 370 ended with his arrest in Srinagar in 1953 and his subsequent death under mysterious circumstances. His death was a significant blow to the movement against Article 370, but his legacy lived on through the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and later the BJP. Nadda's tribute to Mookerjee on his birth anniversary is a testament to the enduring impact of his ideas and the continued relevance of his fight against Article 370.

The article also touches upon the broader implications of Mookerjee's legacy for contemporary Indian politics. The BJP, under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, has often invoked Mookerjee's name and ideals to justify its policies, particularly those aimed at strengthening national unity and security. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 was a landmark decision that the BJP presented as a fulfillment of Mookerjee's vision and a step towards a more integrated India.

Nadda's speech also highlighted the BJP's commitment to Mookerjee's ideals of nationalism and unity. He emphasized that the party continues to draw inspiration from Mookerjee's life and work, and that his fight against Article 370 remains a guiding principle for the BJP's policies. The event at the BJP headquarters was attended by senior party leaders and workers, who paid their respects to Mookerjee and reaffirmed their commitment to his vision.

The article further explores the political significance of Nadda's tribute to Mookerjee. It notes that the BJP's focus on Mookerjee's legacy is part of a broader strategy to consolidate its voter base and appeal to nationalist sentiments. By invoking Mookerjee's fight against Article 370, the BJP seeks to position itself as the guardian of national unity and integrity, a stance that resonates with many of its supporters.

In addition to the political aspects, the article also discusses the cultural and historical significance of Mookerjee's contributions. Mookerjee was not only a political leader but also a scholar and a thinker who played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on nationalism and unity in India. His writings and speeches continue to be studied and admired by those interested in Indian history and politics.

The article concludes by reflecting on the enduring relevance of Mookerjee's fight against Article 370. It notes that while the article was abrogated in 2019, the issues of national integration and unity remain pertinent in contemporary India. Mookerjee's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of these values and the need to continue working towards a more united and cohesive nation.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of J.P. Nadda's tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 123rd birth anniversary, highlighting Mookerjee's significant contributions to Indian politics, his relentless fight against Article 370, and the enduring impact of his legacy on the BJP and contemporary Indian politics. It also delves into the historical context of Mookerjee's campaign, the broader implications of his ideas, and the cultural and historical significance of his contributions to the discourse on nationalism and unity in India.

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