SUMAN K SHRIVASTAVA
Ranchi, May 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi touching the feet of 98-year-old BJP veteran Makhan Lal Sarkar during the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal’s first BJP government has become one of the most discussed political moments on social media, with BJP leaders across India sharing emotional reactions on X (formerly Twitter).
The event took place at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds during the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on May 9. BJP leaders described the gesture as a reflection of the party’s “karyakarta-first culture” and respect for workers who dedicated decades to strengthening the organisation.
PM Modi’s Gesture Seen as Recognition of Grassroots Workers
Many party workers and leaders said the moment carried deep emotional and organisational significance because it highlighted the contributions of ordinary workers who served the party during difficult political years.
Leaders also linked Makhan Lal Sarkar’s legacy to the ideological roots of the Jana Sangh and the BJP, noting his association with Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his role in the organisation’s expansion in North Bengal.
BJP Leaders Share Reactions on X
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
PM Modi posted on X that Makhan Lal Sarkar was a “devout nationalist” who worked closely with Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and was arrested in Jammu and Kashmir during the 1952 movement.
“We in the BJP are proud that we have such motivating figures who have worked among the people and strengthened our Party,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Arjun Munda
Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Arjun Munda reposted the video of the interaction and wrote that every strong organisation is built on the “sacrifices, dedication and lifelong commitment” of grassroots workers.
Calling the BJP government formation in Bengal a “historic beginning,” Munda said the victory reflected the hard work and penance of lakhs of party workers committed to public service and national interest.
In another post, he congratulated Suvendu Adhikari and said West Bengal would move toward “development, good governance and nationalism” under PM Modi’s guidance.
Babulal Marandi
Leader of Opposition in Jharkhand Babulal Marandi stated on X that PM Modi seeking blessings from a grassroots worker connected to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee reflected the BJP’s ideological strength and respect for veteran karyakartas.
He also congratulated Suvendu Adhikari and said the new government in Bengal would work with inspiration from the sacrifices of senior party workers.
Deepak Prakash
Rajya Sabha MP Deepak Prakash shared that the BJP’s political culture is based on “service, good governance and national interest.” He said the emotional interaction between PM Modi and Makhan Lal Sarkar became a defining moment of the Bengal ceremony.
BJP Jharkhand
The official BJP Jharkhand handle posted that Makhan Lal Sarkar remains a “motivating figure” for party workers because of his decades-long contribution to strengthening the organisation in Bengal.
The post also highlighted that Sarkar had been arrested alongside Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee in 1952 and remained committed to nationalist politics throughout his life.
Bengal BJP Leaders
Several Bengal BJP leaders and organisational handles described the interaction as an “emotional moment” that honoured “forgotten karyakartas” who built the party from the grassroots when the BJP had limited political presence in the state.
Many users on X shared images and videos of PM Modi hugging the veteran leader, calling it a rare example of top leadership publicly acknowledging decades of organisational struggle and dedication.
Why the Moment Matters Politically
Political observers within BJP circles believe the gesture was important not only symbolically but also organisationally, especially for cadre morale. The event reinforced the party’s messaging that grassroots workers remain central to the BJP’s political structure.
The repeated references by leaders to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and the Jana Sangh era also positioned the Bengal victory as part of a larger ideological journey for the party.
