PM Modi Leads Grand BJP Celebration, Hails New Chapter in West Bengal

 Kolkata: It was a Narendra Modi show at the historic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Saturday as the Prime Minister attended the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal’s first BJP government.

Modi arrived at the venue in the morning in an open-roof vehicle, waving to lakhs of BJP supporters who had gathered at the ground since dawn. He was accompanied by the state’s first BJP Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya.

After reaching the dais, the Prime Minister offered a Sashtang Pranam before the gathering. Later, in a social media post, he wrote, “I bow to the Jana Shakti of West Bengal!”

Describing the occasion as historic, Modi said, “May 9, 2026, will remain etched in history as a day of profound significance. It marks the beginning of a new chapter of hope, dignity and good governance in West Bengal. At the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata, the BJP government took oath. I, along with several others, was privileged to witness this historic moment.”

The Prime Minister also met 97-year-old Makhanlal Sarkar, who had accompanied BJP founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee during his journey to Jammu and Kashmir. Modi touched Sarkar’s feet and praised his lifelong contribution to the BJP and nationalist movement.

In another social media post, Modi said, “During the swearing-in ceremony in Kolkata, I had the opportunity to meet Shri Makhanlal Sarkar Ji. A committed nationalist, he worked with Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and was even arrested in Jammu and Kashmir while accompanying him. He dedicated his life to strengthening the BJP in West Bengal and inspired people from all walks of life to join the party.”

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore on his birth anniversary according to the Bengali calendar.

Calling it a “pleasant coincidence”, Modi said the swearing-in ceremony took place on Pochishe Boishakh, the birth anniversary of Gurudev Tagore. “His timeless words have inspired generations and his vision continues to guide India’s development journey,” he said.

In an earlier post, Modi described Tagore as “a writer, thinker and poet of extraordinary brilliance” and said he enriched society with new thought, creative energy and cultural confidence.

Congratulating Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the Prime Minister said Adhikari remained deeply connected with the people and understood their aspirations closely. He wished him a successful tenure ahead.