Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched the feet of veteran BJP leader Makhanlal Sarkar to seek his blessings during a Bengal oath ceremony [1].
The gesture highlights the Prime Minister's effort to honor the grassroots foundations of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal. By publicly acknowledging a long-serving party member, Modi signals a commitment to party loyalty and the recognition of veteran workers who have sustained the organization over several decades.
Sarkar is a veteran party worker who has contributed to the BJP's growth in the region for many years [1]. During the event in West Bengal, the Prime Minister approached the 98-year-old [1] leader to perform the traditional act of touching the feet, a sign of respect and humility in Indian culture.
This interaction occurred amidst the proceedings of the oath ceremony, where new officials were being sworn into office [1]. The event served as a backdrop for the Prime Minister to connect with the party's oldest living members, emphasizing a bridge between the current leadership and the party's historical roots.
Observers said the moment underscored the importance of seniority within the BJP's internal hierarchy. While the ceremony focused on the transition of power and the swearing-in of new leaders, the interaction with Sarkar served as a reminder of the party's long-term presence in the state [1].
Modi's action is part of a broader pattern of acknowledging the contributions of grassroots workers to maintain morale within the regional party structure. The gesture occurred in front of party attendees and officials, marking a rare public display of such deference from the Prime Minister toward a non-elected party veteran [1].
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched the feet of veteran BJP leader Makhanlal Sarkar”
This gesture is a calculated symbolic act intended to solidify the BJP's internal cohesion in West Bengal. By honoring a 98-year-old grassroots worker, Modi reinforces the narrative that the party values lifelong loyalty and traditional respect, which can be a powerful tool for motivating lower-level cadres and maintaining organizational discipline in a politically contested state.
