34 minutes agoPolitics
31LENS
21 SourcesKolkata, India
thebalanced.newsPM Modi Honors 98-Year-Old BJP Veteran Makhanlal Sarkar at West Bengal Oath Ceremony
At the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal's first BJP government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored 98-year-old veteran BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar by touching his feet, presenting a shawl, and seeking his blessings. Sarkar, a longtime grassroots leader from Siliguri, was closely associated with Syama Prasad Mukherjee and was arrested in 1952 during a nationalist movement in Kashmir. He played a key role in expanding the BJP's presence in northern West Bengal and served as a district president for several years. The ceremony marked a historic political shift with Suvendu Adhikari taking oath as the state's first BJP Chief Minister.
Political Bias
9%23%68%
Sentiment
76%
AI Analysis
Political bias across 21 sources
● Left 9%● Center 23%● Right 68%
The articles collectively present a perspective aligned with BJP's narrative, emphasizing the party's historical roots and organizational growth in West Bengal. They highlight Makhanlal Sarkar's contributions and the symbolic significance of PM Modi's gesture, reflecting a focus on BJP's ideological heritage and political milestone. Opposition or alternative viewpoints are not prominently featured, indicating coverage centered on BJP's achievements and symbolism.
Sentiment — Positive (76/100)
The overall tone across the articles is positive and respectful, celebrating the emotional and symbolic moment of PM Modi honoring a senior BJP leader. The coverage conveys admiration for Sarkar's lifelong dedication and the BJP's historic victory in West Bengal. There is an emphasis on pride and optimism regarding the political change, with little to no critical or negative sentiment present.
How 15 sources covered this story
Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.
Coverage timeline
thefinancialexpress broke this story on 9 May, 06:46 am. Other outlets followed.
- 1thefinancialexpress9 May, 06:46 amPM Modi touches feet of 98-year-old BJP leader Makhanlal Sarkar at Bengal oath ceremony - Who is he? VIDEO
- 2thestatesman9 May, 06:51 amWho is Makhanlal Sarkar, felicitated by PM Modi before BJP's Bengal swearing-in ceremony?
- 3oneindia9 May, 06:51 amPM Modi Honours 98-Year-Old Makhanlal Sarkar, Veteran Who Joined Syama Prasad Mukherjee's Kashmir Movement
- 4thetribune9 May, 06:51 amOn Bengal stage with PM Modi: The Syama Prasad Mookerjee aide arrested for attempts to hoist Tricolour in Srinagar - The Tribune
- 5indiatoday9 May, 06:53 amVideo: PM Modi hugs, touches feet of 98-year-old BJP veteran in Bengal
- 6timesnow9 May, 06:53 amWho Is Makhanlal Sarkar? The Veteran Whose Feet PM Modi Touched In Bengal - Video
- 7economictimes9 May, 07:16 amPM Modi felicitates BJP veteran worker Makhanlal Sarkar during swearing-in ceremony in West Bengal
- 8hindustantimes9 May, 07:22 amWho is Makhanlal Sarkar, 98-year old BJP worker whose feet PM Modi touched at Bengal oath ceremony
- 9economictimes9 May, 07:33 amWatch: Who is Makhanlal Sarkar? 98-year-old BJP veteran whose feet PM Modi touched during Bengal oath ceremony. His link to Syama Prasad Mukherjee explained
- 10wion9 May, 07:40 amWATCH: PM Modi touches feet of Makhan Lal Sarkar in West Bengal. Who is the 97-year-old veteran BJP leader?
Lens Score breakdown
31/100
Public interest0/100
Coverage gap90%
Well-covered story — coverage matches public importance.
Who's involved
Institutions and figures named across source coverage.
Political
Prime Minister Narendra ModiBJPWest Bengal BJP leadershipBharatiya Janata Party
Story context
- Category
- Politics
- Location
- Kolkata, India
- Sources analysed
- 21
- Last analysed
- 9 May 2026
- Key entities
- Bharatiya Janata PartyWest BengalKashmirSyama Prasad MukherjeeNarendra ModiIndian independence movementChief ministerSuvendu AdhikariKolkataIndiaFlag of IndiaDarjeeling
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