NEW DELHI: On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored BJP workers who were reportedly killed during violence following the 2021 West Bengal assembly elections, stating that their sacrifices would inspire future generations of party members.
A temporary memorial commemorating these BJP workers was set up near the stage at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, where Suvendu Adhikari and his council of ministers were sworn in earlier that day. The memorial displayed the names of the “martyrs” along with their respective districts.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Tribute to the courageous BJP Karyakartas! Even in the midst of celebrations… we remembered all those BJP Karyakartas who laid down their lives in the service of an ideal greater than themselves.” He emphasized that their sacrifices are permanently engraved in the BJP’s history, asserting, “Their courage will remain a source of strength for all of us.”
Shah shared a video of the memorial, commenting that it evoked “deep emotions” among the party workers present. He added, “The sacrifice, struggle, and martyrdom of those noble souls are finally finding fulfillment today,” and extended “salutations to all those martyrs who dedicated their everything to the nation and the organization.”
According to BJP’s West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya, over 300 BJP workers were killed by “TMC goons” in the violence that erupted following the 2021 election results. “They were killed for daring to dream of ushering in change in Bengal. We cannot forget their sacrifices on this day,” Bhattacharya, who also serves as a Rajya Sabha MP, stated.
During the event, PM Modi met with Makhanlal Sarkar, one of the BJP’s senior representatives in West Bengal, highlighting him as a “motivating figure” who continues to inspire people to join the party. At 98, Sarkar remains one of the early grassroots activists associated with the nationalist movement in post-Independence India. Modi presented him with a shawl and took his blessings.
Reflecting on the day’s significance, PM Modi noted, “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 fulfill his vision.”
Modi mentioned in a post on X that he had the opportunity to meet Sarkar during the swearing-in ceremony, calling him a “devout nationalist.” He remarked on Sarkar’s contributions alongside Dr. Mookerjee and his willingness to endure arrest while accompanying him in Jammu and Kashmir. Modi acknowledged Sarkar’s lifelong dedication to expanding the party’s base in West Bengal and inspiring diverse groups to join.
