Guwahati, May 23: Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on Friday that Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, was a true well-wisher of Assam. He emphasized that during the challenging times before India’s independence, Mukherjee bolstered the morale of the people of Assam and strongly opposed the controversial grouping plan that created uncertainty about the state’s future.
Sarma made these remarks during the inauguration ceremony of a new flyover named after Shyama Prasad Mukherjee in Guwahati. He paid tribute to the nationalist leader, noting that Mukherjee’s contributions during one of the most significant periods in Assam’s political history would always be remembered.
The Chief Minister remarked, “Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s political life symbolized ideals, patriotism, moral courage, and unwavering dedication to national interests. During the most challenging times in Assam’s political journey, he stood firmly with the Assamese people, providing moral support to the popular Gopinath Bordoloi.”
He recounted the heightened tensions in Assam during 1940-41 when the Assam Provincial Muslim League adopted the Pakistan resolution, which instilled fear and uncertainty among the populace regarding the state’s future.
Sarma noted that during such sensitive times, Mukherjee visited Assam and urged the people not to lose hope. His speeches and political interventions boosted public confidence and inspired Assamese leaders to continue their struggle against the grouping plan during the partition era.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the Mukherjee family’s contributions to education and culture. He highlighted that both Ashutosh Mukherjee and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee played vital roles in promoting the Assamese language and higher education.
He explained that Ashutosh Mukherjee encouraged the study of Assamese literature at Calcutta University and supported scholars from Assam. Meanwhile, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s efforts led to the promotion of Assamese medium education up to the matriculation level, with institutions like JB College gaining recognition from Calcutta University.
Sarma stated that Shyama Prasad Mukherjee understood Assam’s unique cultural and intellectual identity. He believed that Assam could become a major research hub in subjects like language, anthropology, geology, botany, and forestry.
During the event, the new flyover from the Cycle Factory Junction on the Guwahati-Darbhanga Road to Lalganesh was also inaugurated. Built at a cost of ₹376 crores, this flyover was completed in 26 months, ahead of the scheduled 30-month timeline. It is expected to ease traffic in the southwestern part of Guwahati and reduce vehicle pressure on National Highway-27 from Arya Nagar to Lakhra.
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