Amit Shah to Lay Foundation for 125-Foot Statue in Kolkata

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit West Bengal on Monday to inaugurate a memorial project honoring Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s 125th birth anniversary.

KOLKATA — Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit West Bengal on Monday, July 6, 2026, to preside over a landmark event commemorating the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee. The visit centers on the formal foundation-laying ceremony for a 125-foot statue of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder, which is set to be installed at Eco Park in New Town, Kolkata.

The event, coinciding with Mookerjee’s birth anniversary, marks a significant moment for the state’s political and cultural landscape. Following the BJP's recent electoral success in West Bengal, the state government has prioritized several commemorative projects dedicated to Mookerjee, aiming to cement his legacy in his home state.

Honoring a Nationalist Legacy

The proposed 125-foot monument is expected to be among the tallest statues of the nationalist leader in India. According to state officials, the site at Eco Park has been finalized, and preparations for the foundation-laying ceremony are nearing completion. The project is part of a broader administrative roadmap intended to honor Mookerjee, who is widely recognized for his role in the socio-political formation of post-partition West Bengal.

"The statue will be one of the major commemorative projects marking Mookerjee's 125th birth anniversary," noted a government representative familiar with the development. Beyond the statue, the state administration has initiated a year-long celebration, urging educational institutions and local bodies to observe the occasion through special lectures, seminars, and competitive events.

Organizational Review and Political Roadmap

During his visit, Home Minister Amit Shah is also expected to conduct an extensive organizational meeting with BJP leadership in West Bengal. This engagement is being viewed as a critical step in streamlining the party's operations as it transitions from an opposition force to the party in power.

Party sources indicate that the meeting will involve MPs, MLAs, and district-level functionaries. The Union Minister is likely to issue directives concerning governance, public outreach, and internal party discipline. This visit marks his first major organizational engagement in the state since the BJP assumed office, setting the tone for the administrative priorities in the coming months.

Official Sources and State Observance

The West Bengal government has officially declared July 6, 2026, as a public holiday to mark the occasion. A notification issued by the state's Finance Department confirms that government offices, educational institutions, and various public bodies will remain closed to facilitate the observance.

According to official directives, the government has encouraged state-aided colleges to observe the anniversary in a "befitting manner," with faculty and staff participation. These institutions have been tasked with documenting the events through reports and photographs, reflecting the state's official commitment to the year-long commemoration.

Why It Matters

For the state government, the installation of the statue and the accompanying year-long festivities serve as a vehicle to honor a figure they describe as one of the state's "most illustrious sons." Practically, the initiative has also spurred local economic activity, with artisans in areas like Kumartuli receiving increased orders for commemorative statues and portraits, signaling a widespread cultural and administrative effort to integrate Mookerjee’s legacy into the state’s public identity.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Commemoration: The event marks the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

• Infrastructure: Foundation stone to be laid for a 125-foot statue at Eco Park, New Town.

• Statewide Observance: July 6, 2026, declared a public holiday across West Bengal.

• Organizational Focus: Amit Shah will review the BJP’s organizational structure and administrative roadmap in West Bengal.

FAQ

Why is July 6 significant in West Bengal this year?

July 6, 2026, marks the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, leading to its declaration as a statewide public holiday.

What is the significance of the 125-foot statue?

The statue, to be installed at Eco Park, is a flagship project honoring Mookerjee’s legacy and is expected to become a prominent landmark in New Town, Kolkata.

Will administrative work be affected?

Yes, government offices, educational institutions, and state-run undertakings will remain closed on July 6 in accordance with the state government's holiday notification.

Source: Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of West Bengal, United News of India (UNI)