Who Is the Elderly Man Whom PM Modi Honoured at Bengal Oath Ceremony?

PM Modi’s Gesture Draws Attention at Bengal Swearing-In Ceremony

A touching moment from the swearing-in ceremony of the new West Bengal Chief Minister has become the center of attention across political circles and social media.

During the grand event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen greeting an elderly man with deep respect. The Prime Minister bowed before him, touched his feet, embraced him warmly and spent several minutes speaking with him on the stage.

The gesture immediately sparked curiosity among people, with many asking: Who is this elderly man whom the Prime Minister honoured so respectfully?

Veteran BJP Worker Identified as Makhanlal Sarkar

The elderly man is Makhanlal Sarkar, one of the oldest and most senior grassroots workers associated with the BJP and its ideological roots in West Bengal.

Sarkar has been linked with the nationalist movement and the political ideology associated with Syama Prasad Mookerjee since the early years of post-Independence India.

According to party leaders, the 98-year-old veteran had worked closely with Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh — the ideological predecessor of the BJP.

Arrested Alongside Syama Prasad Mookerjee

In 1952, Makhanlal Sarkar was reportedly arrested while accompanying Syama Prasad Mookerjee during an agitation linked to hoisting the Indian tricolour in Kashmir.

Political observers say Sarkar represents a generation of grassroots nationalist activists who were deeply involved in ideological movements during the early decades after Independence.

He is regarded as one of the oldest surviving workers connected to the Jana Sangh era in Bengal politics.

A Close Associate of Syama Prasad Mookerjee

Makhanlal Sarkar, a resident of Siliguri, was known to be a close associate of Syama Prasad Mookerjee and had also participated in Mookerjee’s funeral procession.

One of the lesser-known stories about Sarkar dates back to a time when he was allegedly arrested by Delhi Police for singing a nationalist song during the Congress era. Reports suggest he refused to apologise in court and instead sang the same song again before the judge.

The judge later reportedly ordered that he be provided a first-class railway ticket and ₹100 for his return journey home.

Played Key Role in BJP’s Early Expansion in Bengal

After the formation of the BJP in 1980, Makhanlal Sarkar became an organisational coordinator for West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling districts.

Within just one year, he reportedly helped enroll nearly 10,000 members into the party — a major organisational achievement during BJP’s early days in Bengal.

From 1981 onward, he served continuously for seven years as district president, an uncommon feat at a time when party leaders rarely remained in the same organisational post for long durations.

Modi’s Tribute Revives Interest in Veteran Leader

Makhanlal Sarkar once again came into public focus after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emotional gesture during the oath-taking ceremony.

Political analysts believe the Prime Minister’s act symbolised the BJP leadership’s respect for veteran grassroots workers who contributed to building the organisation over several decades, long before the party rose to power in West Bengal.