Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, May 9, felicitated and took the blessings of Makhanlal Sarkar, one of the most senior workers of the BJP in West Bengal. PM Modi hugged and touched Sarkar's feet ahead of the swearing-in ceremony. Sarkar was the aide of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, said Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya. "Mookerjee was killed in a mysterious way in a Kashmir jail. Sarkar, who was part of his last journey, has graced us with his presence today," he added.
In 1952, Makhanlal Sarkar was arrested in Kashmir while accompanying Syama Prasad Mookerjee during the movement to hoist the Indian tricolour there. At the age of 98, Shri Makhanlal Sarkar remains one of the early grassroots figures associated with the nationalist movement in post-Independence India.
Makhanlal Sarkar attended the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari. Suvendu Adhikari took oath as the first BJP chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday.
Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy to Adhikari at a grand ceremony held at the Brigade Parade Grounds in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief ministers of NDA-ruled states and senior BJP leaders.
BJP legislators Dilip Ghosh, Agnimitra Paul, Ashok Kirtania, Nisith Pramanik and Kshudiram Tudu were also sworn in as state ministers.
The BJP secured 207 seats in the 294-member Assembly, ending the Trinamool Congress' 15-year rule in the state.
The backdrop of the main stage showcased West Bengal's cultural heritage, featuring depictions of Dakshineswar temple, Goddess Durga and other traditional motifs associated with the state's identity.
Supporters has gathered at the venue beating drums and dancing in celebration, with many treating the occasion as a political festival marking a change of guard in the state. Adding a local flavour to the event, packets of 'jhal muri' were distributed among supporters at the venue.
The popular Bengali snack had recently gone viral after Modi tasted 'jhal muri' at a roadside shop in Jhargram following an election rally during the campaign trail.
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