PM Modi Calls BJP Veteran Makhanlal Sarkar A ‘Motivating Figure’

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared photographs from his interaction with veteran BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar during the swearing-in ceremony of the new West Bengal government, describing the 98-year-old leader as an inspiration for party workers and supporters.

PM Modi met Sarkar during the oath-taking ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari, who became the ninth Chief Minister of the state and the first leader of a BJP government in West Bengal.

During the event, the Prime Minister greeted Sarkar, presented him with a shawl, and sought his blessings.

Taking to X, PM Modi said the formation of the BJP’s first government in West Bengal was also an occasion to remember Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his contribution to the nation and the state.

The Prime Minister said Sarkar had worked closely with Dr Mookerjee and had even been arrested in Jammu and Kashmir while accompanying him during a movement related to hoisting the Indian Tricolour there.

PM Modi added that Sarkar dedicated his life to strengthening the BJP in West Bengal and played an important role in expanding the party’s support base across the state. He said leaders like Sarkar continue to motivate people from different sections of society to join the party.

Sarkar, now 98, remains one of the BJP’s earliest grassroots figures in West Bengal.

After the BJP formed in 1980, he served as organisational coordinator for West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling districts, helping the party enrol nearly 10,000 members within a year.

Beginning in 1981, Makhanlal Sarkar remained district president for seven consecutive years, an uncommon achievement during a period when party leaders rarely held the same organisational post for long durations.

Also Read: PM Modi Hugs Suvendu Adhikari After Historic Bengal Oath Ceremony