Kolkata, 20 April (H.S.) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unexpected stop at a roadside stall in West Bengal’s Jhargram during his Assembly election campaign and enjoyed the popular Bengali snack jhalmuri, leaving the shopkeeper overwhelmed by the rare visit.

Vikram Shaw, who runs the stall, described the moment as one of the biggest highlights of his life. He said he had never imagined that the Prime Minister of the country would visit his small shop.

According to Shaw, Modi first asked his name and enquired about his well-being before requesting him to prepare a serving of jhalmuri. After it was made, the Prime Minister asked for the price. Shaw initially declined to accept payment, but later did so after Modi insisted.

Shaw said the Prime Minister also asked about his parents and where his family hailed from. He informed Modi that his family originally belongs to Gaya in Bihar.

The shopkeeper further said Modi enquired about his education and business. Shaw told him that he had to discontinue his studies after Class nine due to poverty. He added that he now earns around Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 a day, enough to support his family.

While recalling the visit, Shaw smilingly said he regretted not asking for the Prime Minister’s autograph.

Local residents present at the stall described the visit as both surprising and memorable. They said the Prime Minister stopping at a small shop in Jhargram was a matter of pride for the town and for West Bengal.

During the brief stopover, Modi was also seen interacting warmly with residents, sharing smiles and offering jhalmuri to children and women gathered at the stall.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh