Syama Prasad Mookerjee Statue and Memorial Announced in Kolkata
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has revealed plans to erect a massive monument honoring Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee in Kolkata. The state government will also convert the late nationalist leaderβs ancestral home into a dedicated public memorial museum.
Key Highlights
- A 125-foot tall statue of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee will be erected in Kolkata.
- The nationalist leader’s ancestral home will be preserved as a state memorial and library.
- The announcements coincided with official Paschim Banga Divas celebrations attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari criticized prior CPI(M) and TMC administrations for ignoring the state’s foundation day.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari made the announcement during celebrations marking Paschim Banga Divas.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday finalized strategies to build a public monument of Bharatiya Jana Sangh creator Syama Prasad Mookerjee in Kolkata, alongside transforming his family home into an official memorial site.
The policy declaration occurred during state functions observing Paschim Banga Divas, where Chief Minister Adhikari reviewed the historic determination of the province to remain integrated within the Republic of India.
“Our administration has resolved to transform the ancestral residence of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee into a permanent memorial, and a commemorative statue will be set up in Kolkata,” Adhikari stated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the celebratory event in Tarakeswar.
Mookerjeeβs Birth Anniversary To Be Marked With Special Initiatives
“This specific date marks the historic occasion when 58 lawmakers voted decisively for West Bengal to join the Indian Union. We express our gratitude for the Prime Minister’s presence here. Deepest respects to the Prime Minister,” the Chief Minister stated.
CM Adhikari affirmed that distinct state programs would launch on July 6, marking the anniversary of the birth of Mookerjee, who served as an influential educational leader and nationalist icon in addition to founding the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Providing further specifics, Adhikari noted the monument will reach a height of 125 feet, representing the 125th birth anniversary of the Jana Sangh pioneer, which falls during 2026. Delivering the public address, Adhikari remarked, “…The incoming 23rd signifies ‘Martyrdom Day’ and July 6 represents the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The electorate has chosen a nationalist administration… We shall honor his legacy by constructing a 125-foot tall monument of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee in Kolkata.”
Adhikari Targets CPI(M), TMC Over Paschim Banga Divas
Adhikari further condemned past provincial governments managed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Trinamool Congress for consistently failing to acknowledge or celebrate Paschim Banga Divas.
The envisioned heritage memorial and structural monument are slated to anchor the state-sponsored commemorative calendar arranged for Mookerjeeβs birth centenary events. Specific architectural locations for the statue and formal project execution timelines remain under review by state planners.
Historical Context
The observance of Paschim Banga Divas commemorates the historic legislative ballot of June 20, 1947, when the Bengal Legislative Assembly voted on the partition of the province. A total of 58 representatives from the Hindu-majority western districts voted to join the Indian Union, effectively creating modern West Bengal. Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was instrumental in mobilizing support for this division to safeguard the region’s minority populations and historical heritage, establishing a legacy that the current administration is moving to institutionalize through state-backed infrastructure projects.
FAQs
What is the height of the proposed Syama Prasad Mookerjee statue?
The state government plans to build a 125-foot tall monument to honor the 125th anniversary of the birth of the leader.
Where will the new Mookerjee memorial be located?
The memorial and public library will be established by converting Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s ancestral family home in West Bengal.
Who attended the Paschim Banga Divas event where this was announced?
The event in Tarakeswar was led by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
What is the historical significance of the 58 legislators mentioned?
The 58 lawmakers represent the specific members of the Bengal Legislative Assembly who voted in 1947 for Western Bengal to become a part of independent India.
