Politics – Modi Meets Veteran BJP Worker During Bengal Chief Minister Ceremony
Politics – Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal in Kolkata on Saturday, where a special moment involving veteran BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar drew significant attention.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Kolkata to participate in the grand oath-taking event held at Brigade Parade Grounds. The venue witnessed a massive turnout of BJP supporters and party workers, with saffron-themed decorations covering the entire area. Traditional cultural performances and drum displays added to the atmosphere as thousands gathered to witness the political event.
Grand Welcome at Brigade Parade Grounds
After reaching the ceremony venue, the Prime Minister joined Chief Minister-designate Suvendu Adhikari and West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya for a roadshow-style appearance inside the grounds. The leaders stood on an open vehicle and greeted supporters who had assembled from different districts of the state.
The crowd responded enthusiastically as the leaders waved to party workers during the procession around the venue. Senior BJP leaders from across the country were also present at the ceremony, making it one of the party’s largest political gatherings in West Bengal in recent years.
Modi Interacts With Senior BJP Leaders
Following the public greeting session, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the main stage and met several senior leaders attending the event. Among those present were Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, cabinet ministers from the central government, and chief ministers from BJP-ruled states.
However, one interaction stood out during the programme when PM Modi personally greeted 98-year-old BJP veteran Makhanlal Sarkar. The Prime Minister presented him with a shawl and respectfully sought his blessings in front of the gathering.
The gesture received appreciation from party workers and leaders, many of whom consider Sarkar one of the earliest grassroots organisers associated with the nationalist movement and the BJP’s growth in West Bengal.
Makhanlal Sarkar’s Long Political Journey
Makhanlal Sarkar has remained closely connected with nationalist politics for decades. In 1952, he was arrested in Kashmir while accompanying Syama Prasad Mookerjee during a movement related to hoisting the Indian national flag in the region.
After the Bharatiya Janata Party was established in 1980, Sarkar played an important organisational role in northern districts of West Bengal, including West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling. Party leaders credit him with strengthening the BJP’s early structure in these regions.
Within a year of taking organisational responsibilities, he reportedly helped enroll nearly 10,000 party members. His contribution became particularly notable during a period when the BJP had limited political influence in West Bengal.
From 1981 onward, Sarkar served continuously for seven years as a district president, which was considered an uncommon achievement at that time. Senior BJP figures have often acknowledged his contribution to expanding the party’s network at the grassroots level.
Suvendu Adhikari Takes Charge
The swearing-in ceremony followed the BJP legislative party meeting held on Friday, during which Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially announced Suvendu Adhikari as the leader of the BJP Legislative Party in West Bengal.
After being chosen for the role, Suvendu Adhikari reportedly met Governor RN Ravi at Lok Bhavan and submitted his proposal to form the new government in the state as per constitutional procedures.
The ceremony marked a significant political moment for the BJP in West Bengal, with senior national leaders attending the event and party workers celebrating the leadership transition in Kolkata.