Adhir Ranjan targets BJP over Syama Prasad Mookerjee, says ideological divide misused for 'Hindutva politics' | Watch

On Sunday, the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was observed across the country by BJP leaders and workers. In West Bengal, BJP leaders including Samik Bhattacharya and Suvendu Adhikari paid tribute to Mookerjee, who is regarded as the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The occasion was marked with events and commemorations by party members, though leaders of other major political parties such as the Congress and Trinamool Congress did not actively participate.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury made a statement on the occasion, saying, “Congress has no personal rivalry, but only ideological difference with Syama Prasad Mookerjee.” He added, “BJP wants to portray him as a Hindu leader and this is why they use his reputation.” Chowdhury also mentioned that Mookerjee was a member of the government during the time of independence and said, “We honour him in a different way.”

Chowdhury further stated that while Mookerjee’s ideology did not match that of the Congress, he remains an icon for both Bengal and India. He said BJP has tried to represent him solely through the lens of Hindutva, whereas the Congress recognises his broader role in the country’s political and administrative history.