KOLKATA – A new political chapter began in West Bengal with Subhendu Adhikari’s inauguration as the first BJP chief minister of the state, effectively moving Mamata Banerjee to the fringes of political relevance. The swearing-in ceremony, held on Sunday, May 10, at the Brigade Parade ground, served as a reminder of the party’s foundational roots, specifically honoring Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the founder of the Jan Sangh, the precursor to the modern-day BJP.
The event momentarily transported attendees back to the party’s origins, acknowledging the early struggles and vision of its founders. While Dr. Mukherjee initiated his pivotal work in Bengal, it took seventy-five years for the BJP to ultimately gain power in the region. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the ceremony highlighted the BJP’s connection to Bengal’s history and culture.
A particularly poignant moment was the recognition of Makhan Lal Sarcar, a ninety-seven-year-old who accompanied Shyama Prasad to Kashmir in 1951. Their mission was to protest against the special status granted to the state by Jawaharlal Nehru’s government shortly after India‘s independence. Dr. Mukherjee, who had briefly served as the first industry minister in the national government, tragically died during this protest in a Kashmir jail, under circumstances that continue to fuel suspicions of foul play. During the ceremony, the BJP master of ceremonies asserted that Dr. Mukherjee had been murdered.
The Prime Minister honored Makhan Lal Sarcar by draping a shawl around him and touching his feet, creating an emotional moment that resonated with many present. Sarcar’s history extends beyond his association with Dr. Mukherjee. He was later arrested by Delhi police and faced trial in Delhi during the early 1950s. The charges stemmed from Sarcar singing a song deemed offensive by the authorities. However, when the judge in the Delhi court heard the song performed, they ordered Sarcar’s immediate release, arranged for a first-class ticket to his home in Siliguri, Bengal, and provided him with a sum of Rs100 to cover his travel expenses. The BJP highlighted this episode as an example of their early struggles and fight for legitimacy, which was reportedly well-received by the audience.
The ceremony transcended a simple swearing-in event, transforming into a demonstration of the BJP’s embrace of Bengali culture and identity. This deliberate effort was aimed at countering Mamata Banerjee’s claims that the BJP is anti-Bengal and disconnected from the Bengali people. The choice of date for the swearing-in was intentional: the 25th of Baisakh, the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, a figure deeply embedded in Bengal’s cultural identity. The Prime Minister paid tribute to Tagore by offering flowers in front of a large portrait displayed on the dais.
Furthermore, the event showcased a variety of Bengal’s cultural expressions, from folk dances performed by adivasis to the rhythmic drum beats associated with Durga Puja. Adding a touch of political symbolism, twenty-five stalls of “jhalmudi” were set up, referencing an episode during the election campaign when the Prime Minister partook in the snack, much to the chagrin of Mamata Banerjee. Having orchestrated a large-scale event, the focus now shifts to the BJP’s ability to fulfill the promises made and meet the high expectations of the people under the new BJP government.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.