Family members of Makhanlal Sarkar, a long-serving Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member in West Bengal, expressed pride and happiness as Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought his blessings during the swearing-in of Suvendu Adhikari as the state’s Chief Minister. Sarkar’s daughter, Sanchita Basak, highlighted her father’s dedication to the party, noting his past involvement with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and his steadfast commitment to the BJP.
Basak mentioned that despite offers from other political parties, Sarkar remained loyal to the BJP, earning respect even from leaders of rival parties like Trinamool Congress, CPI-M, and Congress. She also shared how the late BJP leader Sushma Swaraj corresponded with her father and his association with Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
Sarkar’s son, Maniklal Sarkar, expressed surprise and gratitude at the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of his father’s contributions, emphasizing Sarkar’s early involvement with the RSS and his instrumental role in establishing the BJP’s presence in Darjeeling. He recounted his father’s principled stance, including an incident where Sarkar refused a permit for personal gain during Morarji Desai’s tenure.
Reflecting on her husband’s dedication, Putul Sarkar mentioned Sarkar’s silent commitment to party activities and his admiration for Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s ideals. Similarly, Minu Sarkar, the daughter-in-law, highlighted the years of hard work Sarkar invested in the BJP, culminating in well-deserved recognition by the Prime Minister.
