Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 9 May shared photos of his meeting with Makhanlal Sarkar, one of the most senior workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal, describing him as a "motivating figure" who continues to inspire people from all walks of life to join the party. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as the ninth Chief Minister of West Bengal in Kolkata.

The Meeting at the Swearing-In Ceremony

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi greeted the 98-year-old grassroots leader, presented him with a shawl, and took his blessings — a gesture widely noted as a mark of deep personal respect. Sarkar is widely regarded as one of the earliest grassroots figures associated with the nationalist movement in post-Independence India.

What PM Modi Said

In a post on X, Modi reflected on the historic occasion. "Today, as the first ever BJP Government takes oath in West Bengal, it is natural for all of us to remember Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his everlasting contribution to the nation and West Bengal in particular. No stone will be left unturned to fulfil his vision," he wrote.

Modi also paid tribute to Sarkar's decades of service: "A devout nationalist, he worked with Dr Mookerjee and was even arrested in Jammu and Kashmir while accompanying him. He dedicated his life to our party, expanding its base across West Bengal, inspiring people from all walks of life to join the party." He added, "We in the BJP are proud that we have such motivating figures who have worked among the people and strengthened our Party."

A Life Dedicated to the Nationalist Cause

Sarkar's association with the BJP's ideological roots stretches back to 1952, when he was arrested in Kashmir while accompanying Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee during the movement to hoist the Indian Tricolour there. That arrest became a defining chapter in his political identity.

After the formation of the BJP in 1980, Sarkar was appointed as the organisational coordinator for West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling districts. Within just one year, he reportedly helped enrol nearly 10,000 members — a remarkable feat for a party that was then establishing its footprint in a state dominated by the Left.

Seven Continuous Years as District President

From 1981 onward, Sarkar served continuously for seven years as district president — an exceptional achievement at a time when BJP leaders generally could not remain in the same organisational position for more than two years. His tenure is seen as a testament to the trust the party placed in his organisational capabilities.

As the BJP marks its first government in West Bengal, Sarkar's story is being held up as a symbol of the party's long and patient journey in a state where it spent decades as a marginal force. Whether this milestone translates into durable political roots in Bengal will be closely watched in the months ahead.