India
oi-Swastika Sruti
Just hours after the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections concluded, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared serene moments from Kolkata, capturing his early morning boat ride on the Hooghly River.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a boat ride on Kolkata’s Hooghly River following West Bengal’s Phase 1 elections, which recorded 92.88% turnout, and reaffirmed commitment to the state’s development amid peak campaigning.
The visit came after a historic 92.88% voter turnout was recorded in Phase 1-one of the highest since Independence-making the political atmosphere in the state even more intense.
A Quiet Morning on the Hooghly
In pictures shared on social media, PM Modi was seen sitting on a wooden boat with a camera in hand, enjoying the calm surroundings. The iconic Vidyasagar Setu could be seen in the background.
For every Bengali, the Ganga occupies a very special place. One can say that the Ganga flows through the soul of Bengal. Her divine waters carry the timeless spirit of an entire civilisation.
This morning in Kolkata, I spent some time on the banks of the Hooghly river, an… pic.twitter.com/I3Y0gsFl3E
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 24, 2026“>
The Hooghly River, which is the westernmost distributary of the Ganga, holds deep cultural and emotional value for the people of Bengal.
“Ganga Flows Through the Soul of Bengal”
In his post, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the river, referring to it as “Maa Ganga.” He highlighted the spiritual and cultural importance of the river in Bengali life.
He wrote that the Ganga represents the timeless spirit of civilisation and holds a special place in the hearts of people in the region. He also reiterated his commitment to the development of West Bengal and the prosperity of its people.
Interaction with Locals Along the Riverbank
During his visit, PM Modi also met local residents and boatmen. He was seen greeting people who had come out for their morning walk, adding a personal touch to the visit.
Such interactions are often seen as an effort to connect directly with citizens during election periods.
Visit Amid Ongoing Political Campaign
The visit comes at a time when political campaigning in West Bengal is at its peak. A day earlier, PM Modi addressed a rally in Krishnanagar and also visited Belur Math for prayers.
He is scheduled to hold more rallies in areas like Dum Dum and Jadavpur as part of the campaign for the upcoming phase of elections.
High Turnout Sparks Political Claims
The record turnout in Phase 1 has triggered strong reactions from major political parties.
PM Modi described the high participation as a sign of a “mandate for change,” suggesting that voters are seeking a shift in governance.
On the other hand, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that the voting trends indicate her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), is already in a strong position to win.
With the next phase of polling approaching and counting scheduled for May 4, political activity is expected to intensify further.
The high voter turnout has made the election more unpredictable, with both major parties confident of victory.
As campaigning continues, all eyes will remain on the next phase of voting and the final results that will shape the state’s political future.
