Narendra Modi delivered a deeply emotional moment at the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal’s first BJP government on Saturday, as he personally honoured veteran party leader Makhanlal Sarkar on stage at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground.
The gesture came during the historic oath-taking of Suvendu Adhikari, marking the beginning of BJP rule in the state for the first time since Independence.
PM Modi Bows, Embraces 98-Year-Old Party Veteran
In a moment that drew widespread attention, Prime Minister Modi honoured the 98-year-old veteran leader by draping a shawl over him before bowing down and touching his feet in a traditional mark of respect.
He then embraced Sarkar on stage, highlighting his long association with the ideological and organisational foundations of the BJP in West Bengal.
The emotional exchange stood out amid the political celebrations, becoming one of the defining visuals of the ceremony.
Modi Calls Sarkar a Pillar of Bengal’s Political Journey
Later in the day, Modi shared a tribute on social media platform X, recalling Sarkar’s decades of service to the nationalist movement and his contribution to building the party’s base in Bengal.
He referenced the legacy of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, noting that Sarkar worked closely with early nationalist leadership during the formative years of the movement in the region.
Modi also highlighted Sarkar’s participation in early political agitations, including his association with movements linked to the hoisting of the national flag in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1950s.
Decades of Grassroots Work in Bengal
Makhanlal Sarkar is among the oldest surviving grassroots leaders associated with the early nationalist movement in eastern India.
After the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1980, he played a key organisational role in strengthening the party’s presence in districts such as West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling, at a time when the BJP had a limited footprint in West Bengal.
Party leaders credit him with helping build early networks that later supported the BJP’s expansion in the state.
Recognition on a Historic Political Stage
During the oath ceremony, Sarkar was given a prominent place on the main stage, symbolising recognition of his long-standing contribution to the party’s journey in Bengal.
The event itself marked a major political shift as the BJP formally took charge of the state government after ending the long rule of the All India Trinamool Congress.
With thousands in attendance, the ceremony combined political transition with emotional symbolism, as veteran leaders were honoured alongside the installation of a new government.
A Moment That Blended Politics and Legacy
While the swearing-in of Suvendu Adhikari marked a historic administrative change in West Bengal, Modi’s tribute to Makhanlal Sarkar added a strong emotional and historical dimension to the occasion.
The moment underscored the BJP’s attempt to connect its present political victory with its decades-long organisational roots in the state.
