PM Modi Touches Feet Of 97-Year-Old Makhanlal Sarkar In Bengal: Who Is He?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the blessing of a 98-year-old man at the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata this morning. In a grand gesture, PM Modi hugged and touched his feet. This person is Makhanlal Sarkar, a Siliguri resident who was one of the seniormost state leaders during the BJP's initial days. Live Updates

"Today, as the first ever BJP Government takes oath in West Bengal, it is natural for all of us to remember Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his everlasting contribution to the nation and West Bengal in particular. No stone will be left unturned to fulfil his vision. During the swearing in ceremony in Kolkata, had the opportunity to meet Shri Makhanlal Sarkar Ji. A devout nationalist, he worked with Dr. Mookerjee and was even arrested in Jammu and Kashmir while accompanying him," PM Modi posted on X.

He said Sarkar dedicated his life to BJP and expanding its base across Bengal.

"We in the BJP are proud that we have such motivating figures who have worked among the people and strengthened our Party," PM Modi said.

Today, as the first ever BJP Government takes oath in West Bengal, it is natural for all of us to remember Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his everlasting contribution to the nation and West Bengal in particular. No stone will be left unturned to fulfil his vision.

During the… pic.twitter.com/wjze0iEplQ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 9, 2026

PM Modi honours veteran BJP leader Makhanlal Sarkar ahead of oath-taking ceremony at Brigade Parade ground pic.twitter.com/GoigITiy8f

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 9, 2026

Bengal BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya said that Sarkar was arrested by Delhi Police for singing a patriotic song when the Congress was in power. He was taken to court and asked to apologise. But he refused.

"Sarkar told the judge he didn't commit any crime; that he had only sung a song. The judge wanted to listen to the song, so he sang it again in the court. The judge then asked the police to get Sarkar a first-class ticket back home and give him Rs 100 for his journey," said the Bengal BJP chief.

Read: Suvendu Adhikari Takes Oath As BJP's First Bengal Chief Minister

Makhan Lal Sarkar - A BJP Veteran

Sarkar was the first BJP district president of the Siliguri organisational district and a companion of Shyama Prasad Mookerjee on his historic Kashmir tour. At the age of 97, he remains one of the early grassroots figures associated with the nationalist movement in post-Independence India.

In 1952, he was arrested in Kashmir while accompanying Mookerjee during the movement to hoist the Indian tricolour there.

After the formation of the BJP in 1980, he became the organisational coordinator for West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri, and Darjeeling districts. Within just one year, he helped enroll nearly 10,000 members.

From 1981 onward, he served continuously for seven years as district president, an exceptional achievement at a time when BJP leaders generally could not remain in the same organisational position for more than two years.

(With inputs from Sanchita Aich Bag)