New Delhi, Jul 6 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tributes to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the predecessor of BJP, on his 119th birth anniversary.
"I bow to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his Jayanti. A devout patriot, he made exemplary contributions towards India’s development. He made courageous efforts to further India’s unity. His thoughts and ideals give strength to millions across the nation," tweeted the Prime Minister.
Paying homage, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu said Mookerjee was "a great patriot who fought relentlessly to preserve national unity and total integration of Jammu & Kashmir into India. His love for motherland will always remain an inspiration for every Indian."
Describing him as an accomplished barrister, philosopher and educationist of great repute, Mr Naidu said as the youngest ever Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, the late leader served the nation with distinction as Independent India’s first Minister of Industry and Supply.
Mookerjee, born on July 6, 1901, had served in prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet. However, he resigned from the cabinet in 1950 in opposition to the Nehru-Liaquat pact and later founded Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He died on June 23,1953 in Jammu and Kashmir.
UNI SD ADG 1519