59 minutes agoPolitics
31LENS
28 SourcesKolkata, India
thebalanced.newsPM Modi Honors 98-Year-Old BJP Veteran Makhanlal Sarkar at West Bengal Swearing-In
At the swearing-in ceremony of West Bengal's first BJP government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored 98-year-old veteran BJP leader Makhanlal Sarkar by touching his feet, presenting a shawl, and seeking his blessings. Sarkar, a longtime grassroots worker 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 after its formation in 1980, serving as district president for seven years and enrolling thousands of members. Modi's gesture highlighted the party's recognition of its early workers amid a historic political shift in the state.
Political Bias
9%23%68%
Sentiment
76%
AI Analysis
Political bias across 28 sources
● Left 9%● Center 23%● Right 68%
The article group predominantly reflects perspectives aligned with the BJP and its leadership, emphasizing the party's historical roots and organizational growth in West Bengal. Coverage highlights Modi's respectful gesture toward a senior party worker and the BJP's electoral victory, with limited representation of opposition viewpoints. The framing centers on nationalist narratives and party achievements, consistent with sources supportive of BJP's political milestones.
Sentiment — Positive (76/100)
The overall tone across the articles is positive and respectful, focusing on the emotional and symbolic significance of Modi's gesture toward Makhanlal Sarkar. The coverage celebrates the BJP's historic win in West Bengal and honors the veteran's lifelong dedication, conveying admiration and pride. There is little critical or negative sentiment, with the narrative emphasizing unity, respect, and political accomplishment.
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
hindustantimes broke this story on 9 May, 07:22 am. Other outlets followed.
- 1hindustantimes9 May, 07:22 amWho is Makhanlal Sarkar, 98-year old BJP worker whose feet PM Modi touched at Bengal oath ceremony
- 2economictimes9 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
- 3ndtv9 May, 07:35 amVideo: PM Bows Down With Folded Hands To Public At Suvendu Adhikari's Oath
- 4wion9 May, 07:40 amWATCH: PM Modi touches feet of Makhan Lal Sarkar in West Bengal. Who is the 97-year-old veteran BJP leader?
- 5theassamtribune9 May, 07:56 amPM touches 98-yr-old BJP veteran's feet as jhalmuri buzz grips Bengal swearing-in
- 6freepressjournal9 May, 07:59 am'I Bow To West Bengal's Jana Shakti': PM Modi Performs Sashtang Pranam As BJP Begins New Era In Bengal VIDEO
- 7indianexpress9 May, 08:02 amA Syama Prasad Mookerjee aide whose feet PM touched during Suvendu's swearing-in: Who is Makhanlal Sarkar
- 8thehindu9 May, 08:08 amPM Modi takes blessings of oldest West Bengal BJP worker Makhanlal Sarkar
- 9opindia9 May, 08:18 amWho is Makhan Lal Sarkar? The 97-year-old BJP veteran whose feet PM Modi touched at Suvendu Adhikari's swearing-in
- 10freepressjournal9 May, 08:49 am'Devout Nationalist': PM Modi Pays Emotional Tribute To 98-Year-Old BJP Veteran Makhanlal Sarkar After Touching His Feet
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
- 28
- Last analysed
- 9 May 2026
- Key entities
- Bharatiya Janata PartyWest BengalNarendra ModiSyama Prasad MukherjeeKashmirChief ministerSuvendu AdhikariKolkataIndian independence movementFlag of IndiaIndiaDarjeeling
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