kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, June 23: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari launched a sharp attack on the previous Trinamool Congress government while paying tribute to Syama Prasad Mukherjee on the occasion of Balidan Diwas. The Chief Minister also alleged that the circumstances surrounding Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s death were the result of a conspiracy and asserted that his legacy and ideals would continue to guide the present government of West Bengal.

Speaking at a blood donation camp organized by the BJP Yuva Morcha at Hazra Crossing in Kolkata on Tuesday, Adhikari claimed that attempts had been made over the years to erase the contributions of Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Swami Pranabananda from public memory. He stated that the state government was committed to preserving and promoting their ideals for future generations.

The Chief Minister alleged that during the previous fifteen years, efforts were made to prevent public recognition of these historical figures. He claimed that even attempts to observe Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s death anniversary had faced legal obstacles. Referring to the recent observance of West Bengal Day in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 20, Adhikari said that the government would continue to spread the ideals and contributions of Syama Prasad among younger generations. He also noted that, for the first time, Kolkata Municipal Corporation and the state’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department had jointly organized Balidan Diwas commemorations.

Syama Prasad Mukherjee remains one of the most prominent political figures in modern Indian history. He launched a movement opposing the permit system that was then required for entry into Jammu and Kashmir. During that agitation, he was arrested by police in Srinagar in May 1953. While in custody, he fell ill and was admitted to a hospital in Srinagar, where he died on June 23, 1953. Although the central government of that period maintained that his death resulted from a heart-related ailment, questions and controversies regarding the circumstances of his death have continued to be raised by various political groups over the decades.

Adhikari alleged that Mukherjee’s death was linked to a larger conspiracy. He stated that Syama Prasad Mukherjee had championed the vision of “One Nation, One Flag, One Constitution,” and claimed that this was the reason he was removed from the political landscape at an early stage of his life. The Chief Minister also referred to historical debates surrounding West Bengal’s integration with India and highlighted Mukherjee’s role in mobilizing support for the cause through political and social movements.

Adhikari further assured supporters that the present administration would continue to function in accordance with Mukherjee’s ideals and principles. He urged people to maintain faith in the government’s commitment to preserving the state’s historical and cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister revealed plans for the construction of a new 125-foot statue of Syama Prasad Mukherjee at his ancestral home in Jirat, located in Hooghly district. He said that the state government had allocated ₹200 crore in the budget for the comprehensive restoration of the historic residence and for beautification projects in the surrounding area. According to Adhikari, work on the project will formally begin on July 6, the birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mukherjee, with a ceremonial foundation-laying programme.

The Chief Minister also took an indirect swipe at former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Without naming her directly, he alleged that she had previously opposed efforts to commemorate Mukherjee’s death anniversary. He claimed that BJP youth workers had faced significant difficulties in organizing Balidan Diwas programmes near Mukherjee’s residence in Bhabanipur and argued that the current administration would ensure that such commemorations receive official recognition and support.

The event highlighted the continuing political and historical significance of Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s legacy in West Bengal, with the state government using the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to honoring his contributions and promoting his ideological vision in public life.