Modi Honors 97-Year-Old Nationalist Leader at West Bengal Swearing-In Ceremony
Modi touches feet of 97-year-old Syama Prasad aide at Bengal swearing-in
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
During the swearing-in of Suvendu Adhikari as West Bengal's first BJP chief minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored 97-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar, a close associate of nationalist leader Syama Prasad Mukherjee. Modi praised Sarkar's lifelong dedication to the BJP and his contributions to the nationalist movement.
- 01Prime Minister Modi honored Makhanlal Sarkar during the swearing-in of Suvendu Adhikari as West Bengal's chief minister.
- 02Sarkar, 97, is a close associate of Syama Prasad Mukherjee and has been involved in nationalist politics since post-Independence.
- 03Modi acknowledged Sarkar's contributions to the BJP and his role in expanding the party's base in West Bengal.
- 04Sarkar was arrested in 1952 during a nationalist agitation in Jammu and Kashmir alongside Mukherjee.
- 05The event marks a significant moment for the BJP as it takes power in West Bengal, ending the TMC's governance.
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At the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as West Bengal's first chief minister from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored 97-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar, a close associate of nationalist leader Syama Prasad Mukherjee. Modi presented Sarkar with a shawl, hugged him, and touched his feet, acknowledging his significant contributions to the nationalist movement and the BJP's growth in West Bengal. Modi highlighted that Sarkar had dedicated his life to expanding the party's base and inspiring citizens. Sarkar, now based in Siliguri, is considered one of the oldest grassroots leaders of the BJP and was arrested in 1952 during an agitation to hoist the national flag in Jammu and Kashmir alongside Mukherjee. This ceremony symbolizes a pivotal change in West Bengal's political landscape as the BJP assumes power, marking the end of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) era.
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The BJP's rise to power in West Bengal could lead to significant political changes and policies affecting local governance and party dynamics.
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