Makhanlal Sarkar, one of the BJP’s earliest and most senior workers in West Bengal, extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, praising his ability to navigate challenges on both the domestic and international fronts.
Speaking to IANS, the 98-year-old veteran recalled Modi’s long political career, including his 13 years as Gujarat Chief Minister and nearly 12 years as Prime Minister. Sarkar also said that if Modi contests the 2029 elections, it would be beneficial for India.
Sarkar used the occasion to remind Modi of his earlier appeal regarding West Bengal’s industrial development and the six demands for ‘Sonar Bangla’ raised by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. He said he hoped Modi would help fulfil the vision of a developed Bengal and also expressed his wish that the Prime Minister enjoy a long and healthy life.
Sarkar has been associated with the BJP since its early days and is remembered for his role in expanding the party’s organisational base in West Bengal. He had earlier worked with Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and was arrested in Kashmir in 1952 while accompanying him during the movement to hoist the Indian Tricolour there.
After the BJP was formed in 1980, Sarkar served as organisational coordinator for West Dinajpur, Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling districts, helping enrol nearly 10,000 members within a year. From 1981, he served as district president for seven consecutive years, despite BJP leaders generally holding such organisational positions for no more than two years at the time.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi met Sarkar during the swearing-in ceremony of Suvendu Adhikari as West Bengal Chief Minister. Modi greeted him, presented him with a shawl and sought his blessings, later describing the veteran party worker as a “motivating figure” who had inspired people across West Bengal to join the BJP.
