In a heartwarming gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched the feet of 98-year-old BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar during a public rally in West Bengal's Krishnanagar on Friday. The incident occurred at the 'Syama Prasad Mookerjee' rally, where Modi was addressing party workers and supporters.
Who is Makhanlal Sarkar?
Makhanlal Sarkar, a resident of Nadia district, has been a dedicated BJP worker for decades. Despite his advanced age, he actively participates in party activities and campaigns. Born in 1928, Sarkar has witnessed India's journey from colonial rule to independence and its subsequent development. He joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in the 1950s and remained loyal to the party through its transformation into the BJP.
The Gesture That Stole the Show
As PM Modi walked through the crowd, he noticed Sarkar standing with folded hands. Without hesitation, Modi bent down and touched the elderly worker's feet, a traditional Indian sign of respect for elders. The crowd erupted in cheers, and the moment was captured on camera, quickly going viral on social media.
Modi later said, "Our party workers are our strength. They have sacrificed their lives for the nation. Touching the feet of a 98-year-old worker is my way of expressing gratitude for his lifelong service."
Political Reactions
The gesture drew widespread appreciation from political leaders across parties. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also praised Modi's act, saying, "Respecting elders is a part of our culture. I appreciate the Prime Minister's gesture." However, some opposition leaders criticized it as a publicity stunt ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
BJP leaders defended Modi, stating that his humility and respect for party workers are well-known. State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar said, "PM Modi's gesture reflects his deep respect for the party's grassroots workers."
Significance Ahead of Elections
The rally was part of the BJP's campaign for the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections. By highlighting the party's respect for its workers, Modi aimed to strengthen the morale of BJP cadres in the state. The touching moment also served to humanize the Prime Minister, who is often seen as a dynamic leader but rarely shows such personal gestures.
Social Media Buzz
The video of the incident has been shared thousands of times on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Many users praised Modi for his humility, while others questioned the timing of the gesture. Hashtags like #RespectForElders and #ModiFeetTouching trended for several hours.
Makhanlal Sarkar, when contacted, expressed his joy and said, "I have worked for the party all my life. This gesture from the Prime Minister has made me very happy. I will continue to serve the party until my last breath."
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of respecting party workers and elders in Indian culture. As the BJP gears up for the high-stakes West Bengal elections, such gestures could help the party connect with voters on an emotional level. Whether it will translate into electoral gains remains to be seen, but for now, the image of PM Modi touching the feet of a 98-year-old worker has left a lasting impression.
