Kolkata, April 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally responded with letters to school students and artists from West Bengal who presented him handcrafted portraits during his campaign rallies ahead of the state's two-phase Assembly elections. The heartwarming gesture, which came as a surprise to many recipients, has sparked widespread joy and renewed creative confidence among young artists across the state.

Students Overwhelmed by PM's Personal Response

Among the recipients was Mayank Ghosh, a Class 6 student from Siliguri, who had personally handed a hand-drawn sketch to PM Modi during the latter's campaign rally in the city on April 12. Speaking to reporters, Ghosh recalled that the Prime Minister had admired his sketch and even offered a practical tip — advising that every artwork should carry an address on the back to ensure a reply could be sent.

Ghosh said he was overjoyed upon receiving the letter. He noted that PM Modi had liked his sketch very much and had specifically advised that every sketch should have an address on the back so that a letter could be delivered.

Rahul Basak, a student from Dhatrigram in Purba Bardhaman district, also received a personal letter after presenting his hand-drawn portrait at the same rally. Basak described himself as extremely lucky and said the recognition would push him to refine his artistic skills further.

Basak told reporters that PM Modi had mentioned he would send a response, but he never imagined it would arrive so quickly. He added that he has been learning to draw since childhood and that this recognition will motivate him to keep improving.

Artist Rediscovers Lost Passion After PM's Recognition

Papiya Mondal, an artist from Purbasthali village in Purba Bardhaman, had also gifted a hand-drawn portrait to PM Modi at the same rally. For her, the letter carried a deeply personal significance — it reignited a passion for art she had set aside years ago.

Mondal said she felt extremely fortunate and that PM Modi had said the artworks would be acknowledged, but she never imagined she would receive a letter so soon. She added that she had been drawing since childhood, had stopped for some time, and that this recognition has reignited her passion.

Trishagni Banerjee, a resident of Raghunathganj in Murshidabad, also expressed deep gratitude. She said she had made a painting of the Prime Minister and never imagined he would take out his valuable time to respond. Her family was also very happy upon receiving the letter.

The Bigger Picture: Modi's Outreach Strategy in Bengal

This personal outreach by PM Modi is part of a broader pattern of direct citizen engagement that has defined his political communication style. From the Mann Ki Baat radio programme to handwritten responses to children and common citizens, the Prime Minister's Office has consistently used such gestures to build an emotional connect with voters — particularly in electorally significant states like West Bengal.

Notably, West Bengal has historically been a battleground where the Bharatiya Janata Party has sought to expand its footprint against the ruling Trinamool Congress. Personalised outreach to young voters and artists can serve as a soft-power tool that transcends traditional political messaging.

Critics argue that such gestures, while genuine in spirit, are often strategically timed around election cycles. The BJP's campaign in West Bengal has placed significant emphasis on cultural identity and grassroots connect — and letters to local artists fit neatly into that narrative.

Election Update: Record Turnout in Phase One

The first phase of the West Bengal Assembly election, held on April 23, recorded a historic voter turnout of over 93 per cent — one of the highest in recent state election history. The second phase of polling is scheduled for April 29, with vote counting set for May 4.

As the election enters its final stretch, moments like these — where the Prime Minister personally connects with young constituents — are likely to resonate strongly with first-time voters and families across the state, adding an emotional dimension to an already high-stakes electoral contest.