PM bows, thanks voters
I bow to the Jana Shakti of West Bengal!
The Prime Minister humbly acknowledged people’s power in a democracy that has thrived in India since Independence - Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
In a rare gesture to extend gratitude to the people of West Bengal for ensuring massive electoral success for the BJP’s first Government in the State, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday bowed before the people of Bengal with folded hands as the party celebrated the swearing-in of its first chief minister at Kolkata’s iconic Brigade Parade Ground.
“I bow to the Jana Shakti of West Bengal!” PM later remarked on social media and shared a video clip of the moment. As he walked up to the stage to witness the history in the making, Modi, dressed in his trademark kurta-jacket attire, bowed down before the attendees in a near — dandwat pranam, a gesture seen as one of humility, and respect towards the people for their mandate.
The Prime Minister humbly acknowledged people’s power in a democracy that has thrived in India since Independence. Moreover, the gesture was a reflection of Modi’s long-held position of himself as a servant of the people and not the ruler. Adhikari and members of the new cabinet stood beside the Prime Minister during the moment.
The PM began his long gesture of thanks by waving at the cheering crowds from a podium with red carpeting. Soon after Modi knelt down slowly and bowed before the crowds waving his hands to the massive crowd watching the oath taking ceremony.
After entering the Brigade Parade Grounds, Modi, accompanied by Adhikari and state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya, took a ride in an open-air jeep and waved at the thousands of BJP workers and supporters who were present at the venue. The entire Brigade Parade Grounds was decked in saffron colours. A large number of artists were performing to the tune of traditional drums.
After taking a ride in the vehicle, PM Modi went to the stage and met all the dignitaries, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled States and other leaders. Modi then greeted Makhanlal Sarkar, one of the most senior workers of the BJP in the state, presented him with a shawl and took his blessings.
