Modi offers ‘Sashtanga Pranam’ to people of Bengal
The Statesman | 11 May 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday performed a “sashtanga pranam” before the people of West Bengal at the Brigade Parade Ground during the oath-taking ceremony of the state’s first BJP government.
Though Modi did not deliver any speech at the event, he instead chose to bow before the people in a symbolic gesture of respect.
After stepping onto the stage, Modi first paid floral tribute to Rabindranath Tagore and folded his hands before the poet’s portrait.
The ceremony coincided with Rabindra Jayanti on the 25th day of Baishakh, and political observers said the date for the swearing-in was chosen keeping the occasion in mind.
Moments later, the Prime Minister walked to the centre of the stage facing the crowd and knelt down for a “sashtanga pranam”.
Sharing the video later on social media, Modi wrote: “I bow before the people’s power of West Bengal.”
The BJP secured a historic mandate in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly, winning 207 seats in the elections held for 293 constituencies.
It marks the first time the BJP has formed a government in the state.
The victory carries special political significance for the party as West Bengal is the home state of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the BJP’s ideological predecessor.
Modi had earlier celebrated the BJP’s victory in Bengali attire, wearing a dhoti and kurta while addressing party workers from Delhi after the results were declared.
He again highlighted the emotional importance of the victory by publicly bowing before the people of the state on Saturday.
The Prime Minister arrived at Kolkata airport shortly after 10 am and travelled by helicopter to the Race Course before proceeding by car to Brigade Parade Ground.
Massive crowds gathered at Brigade for the swearing-in ceremony, with Modi waving to supporters as he reached the stage.