New Delhi, 04 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at BJP headquarters wearing authentic Bengali dhoti-panjabi to celebrate the party's landslide win in West Bengal assembly elections, marking a symbolic embrace of the state's culture after years of determined pursuit.

Prime Minister Modi donned a white panjabi (kurta) paired with a Tussar silk dhoti (dhyuti) featuring a red hemline, meticulously tucking the dhoti's end into his kurta pocket—a distinctive Bengali style. A cotton scarf with traditional 'buti' (dotted) design around his neck completed the ensemble, signaling deep respect for Bengal's heritage amid thunderous cheers from jubilant workers.

Victory Address Highlights

Addressing party workers, PM Modi declared the lotus has bloomed from Gangotri to Ganga Sagar, noting BJP-NDA governments now span Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal along the Ganga's course. He recalled his 2013 pledge that Mother Ganga called me to service, framing this as fulfillment of that divine mandate.

PM Modi invoked Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder, stating the victory brings peace to his soul. He emphasized Mookerjee's ethos of live for the country, die if needed, positioning Bengal's transformation as legacy continuation. Bengal has changed. Bengal is now fearless, moving toward a self-reliant Bengal, he affirmed, adapting BJP's poribortan chai slogan to poriborton hoyeche (change has happened).

The Prime Minister praised record voter turnout—India's highest since independence—crediting it to democratic triumph and constitutional bodies' integrity. He lauded booth-level workers: No matter how big or small, your contributions are remarkable and extraordinary. You have created new history.

BJP secured over 130 leads and 71 wins by evening, dwarfing TMC's reduced tally from 213 seats.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar