New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday paid tribute to Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee on his 72nd death anniversary, remembering him as a visionary whose principles continue to shape the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the country.

Highlighting Dr Mukherjee's role in advocating for a unified India, Pradhan reflected on his 1953 protest against dual systems in the country, which led to Mukherjee's brave entry into Jammu and Kashmir.

'For the BJP and the Jan Sangh, Syama Prasad Mukherjee was a visionary whose thoughts still guide the Bharatiya Janata Party and the country. Seventy-two years ago, in 1953, he raised an important issue while protesting that there cannot be two systems within one country. He believed that if India had two separate laws or systems, it could not truly be called united or independent. To prove his point, he risked his life and entered Jammu and Kashmir. That moment became a part of history,' Pradhan said.

He further emphasised that it took 72 years to fulfil his sacrifice, with the historic abrogation of Article 370 by the government in 2019, a tribute to Mukherjee's enduring legacy.

'If we compare both dates, it took almost 72 years to fulfil Syama Prasad Mukherjee's sacrifice. It was the privilege of the Prime Minister to make his dream come true. On August 5th, 2019, the government made a historic decision to abrogate Article 370, honouring Dr Mukherjee's vision,' Pradhan said.

Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, BJP MPs from Delhi, Delhi assembly speaker Vijendra Gupta and other senior members of the Bhartiya Janata Party accompanied him.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. He also served as the Minister for Industry and Supply in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet.

According to the BJP's official website, on the Delhi Pact with Liaquat Ali Khan issue, Mookerjee resigned from the Cabinet on April 6, 1950. Later on October 21, 1951, Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi and became its first president.

Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 and was arrested on May 11. He died in detention on June 23, 1953. (ANI)