Modi Seeks Blessings from Veteran BJP Leader at Historic Swearing-In Ceremony
A Moment of Respect at the Ceremony
Modi greets senior BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar during the swearing-in ceremony as Mithun Chakraborty looks on. (Photo:PTI)
Kolkata, May 9: During the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal's inaugural BJP government at Brigade Parade Grounds, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored 98-year-old BJP stalwart Makhanlal Sarkar by touching his feet and seeking his blessings.
This heartfelt gesture occurred just before Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the BJP legislature party, took his oath as the state's first Chief Minister from the party since India gained independence.
Modi embraced the veteran leader and shared light-hearted exchanges on stage, which elicited enthusiastic cheers from the gathered party supporters.
The BJP highlighted Sarkar's historical significance, noting that he was detained in Kashmir in 1952 while accompanying Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of Jana Sangh, during a movement to raise the Indian flag there.
Described as a key grassroots figure in the nationalist movement post-independence, Sarkar played a vital role in the BJP's formation in 1980, serving as the organizational coordinator for West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling districts during a time when the Left Front was in power in West Bengal.
His remarkable tenure as district president lasted seven years starting in 1981, a notable achievement given the frequent changes in organizational roles during that era.
Interestingly, the popular Bengali snack, jhalmuri, became a highlight at the swearing-in event, capturing the attention of attendees. The BJP set up approximately 20 stalls selling jhalmuri across the venue, while independent vendors also enjoyed a surge in business as thousands of supporters gathered for this significant occasion.
Attendees eagerly lined up to enjoy the snack, which consists of puffed rice, green chilies, and spices, with many associating it with the BJP's electoral success in the state.
“I am enjoying jhalmuri even more today because of our exciting victory in the election,” expressed Manjari Basu, who traveled from Tollygunge in south Kolkata to witness the ceremony.
The humble snack gained political prominence during the election campaign when Modi made an impromptu stop at a roadside stall in Jhargram on April 19 to sample jhalmuri. This incident later sparked a political debate between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress.
While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed Modi's visit as mere theatrics, the Prime Minister retorted that the Trinamool Congress was “feeling the heat of the chillies” after his tasting of the snack.
Throughout the campaign, Modi had also stated that the BJP would celebrate its victory by distributing sweets and jhalmuri, to which Banerjee responded by offering to send him Delhi's famous bhelpuri.