Desk Correspondent , Kolkata – In a significant gesture during his visit to West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spent Friday morning at the Hooghly River in Kolkata, engaging in a heartfelt interaction with local boatmen and taking a scenic boat ride. Arriving around 7:00 AM at Panighat, the Prime Minister's visit followed a high-profile roadshow from Howrah to Kolkata the previous evening. During the hour-long excursion, the Prime Minister rented several boats for his entourage and spent time admiring the Howrah Bridge from the water. This visit was not merely a leisure activity but served as a platform for the Prime Minister to reiterate his administration's firm commitment to the holistic development of West Bengal and the prosperity of its people during the ongoing election season.

Local boatman Gourango Biswas, who had the unique opportunity to ferry the Prime Minister, shared his joy over the unexpected encounter, noting that the Prime Minister was incredibly approachable and warm. After the hour-long ride, for which the Prime Minister paid ₹1,000, he took the time to ask the boatman his name and offered a warm hug upon returning to the shore. Other locals, including Mohmad Sheikh Iftekar, observed the Prime Minister during his morning walk and noted that a total of seven boats were booked for the group. Before departing, the Prime Minister shared words of encouragement with the gathered crowd, urging the local community to remain united and happy while emphasizing the cultural importance of the river.

Reflecting on the experience through social media, Prime Minister Modi described the Ganga as the "soul of Bengal," stating that its divine waters carry the timeless spirit of an entire civilization. He expressed deep gratitude to "Maa Ganga" and praised the hardworking nature of the boatmen who earn their living on the Hooghly. The Prime Minister’s visit highlights the strategic and emotional significance of the region as the state moves through the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls. By connecting directly with the working class and invoking the spiritual heritage of the river, the Prime Minister aimed to reinforce a message of unity and progress, promising that the central government remains dedicated to transforming the socio-economic landscape of the state.