Amidst the intense West Bengal election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a peaceful break on Friday morning to enjoy a boat ride on the Hooghly River in Kolkata. Stepping away from the political hustle, he admired the scenic beauty of the river and personally captured photographs of iconic historical landmarks like the Vidyasagar Setu and the Howrah Bridge. This serene outing offered a stark contrast to the highly charged political atmosphere in the state, where the first phase of polling recently concluded with an overwhelming voter turnout of over 92 percent.
Sharing his experience and visuals on his X account, the Prime Minister made emotional remarks about the state’s deep cultural connection with the river. He stated that the Ganga is not just a river but an entity that holds a special place in every Bengali’s heart, flowing through the very soul of Bengal. During his visit, Modi also took the time to interact with the hardworking local boatmen to appreciate their efforts, and he engaged with the public gathered at the banks, listening to their concerns and showing his affection.
While the Prime Minister enjoyed a tranquil morning, the political rivalry between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) remains as fierce as ever. During a recent campaign rally in Krishnanagar, Modi took a playful swipe at his political rivals, joking that the heat of the local ‘Jhal Muri’ snack he ate seemed to have hit the TMC leaders. In a quick retort, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee countered his remark, stating that they are already well-accustomed to the spice, highlighting the ongoing fiery exchanges in the state’s electoral battle.
