Mukherjee was born on July 6 in Kolkata, and the city holds historical significance in the BJP’s politics. With the party now in power, efforts have begun to imprint its ideological presence in the state through Mukherjee.
On June 20, the BJP government in the state will celebrate Bengal Foundation Day. On June 20, 1947, voting took place on an important resolution in the erstwhile Bengal Assembly that paved the way for the partition of Bengal. The BJP considers that day as the state’s foundation day. Prime Minister Modi will join the celebrations in Kolkata on June 20. On June 21, Yoga Day, Modi will also be present in Kolkata, West Bengal.
To strengthen the party’s cultural presence, the state government is planning to erect a 125-ft statue of Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee in the heart of Kolkata. Sources told ET that the foundation stone for the statue will be laid on July 6, Mukherjee’s birth anniversary, by a senior leader from the Centre.
This year marks the 125th birth anniversary of Mukherjee, and the party will organise programmes across the country to commemorate the occasion. West Bengal will be at the centre of the celebrations, and the government is likely to announce several new initiatives in his name.
Mukherjee’s residence in Kolkata was used by the BJP during the recent Assembly elections as the party’s war room, from where the victory in the state was scripted.
Mukherjee’s residence will now be revamped and developed as a major cultural centre.
