MODI takes a serene Ganges boat ride in Kolkata amid election campaign, interacts with locals and captures rare moments on camera.
Prime Minister Modi blends campaign trail with quiet river moments, capturing Kolkata from a different lens
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | April 24, 2026
MODI brought an unexpected change of pace to his election campaign in West Bengal, stepping away from rallies and speeches to spend a calm morning on the waters of the Ganges in Kolkata. After an intense day of campaigning on Thursday and an overnight stay at Raj Bhavan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen early Friday taking a boat ride along the Hooghly River, offering a rare and candid glimpse into a quieter side of his public life.
Carrying a camera around his neck, MODI appeared fully immersed in the experience, capturing photographs himself—something unusual for a leader typically surrounded by photographers. His river journey quickly drew attention, with crowds gathering along both banks of the Ganges to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister. At Gwalior Ghat, he briefly interacted with morning walkers and local boatmen, engaging in light conversation and encouraging citizens to participate in the ongoing विधानसभा elections.
Following the ride, the Prime Minister shared moments from his experience on social media, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to spend time on the sacred river. He described the morning as peaceful and reflective, adding that it allowed him to connect spiritually with “Maa Ganga.” The boatman for the journey, Gauranga Biswas, later shared his excitement, revealing that Modi had requested to be taken to the middle of the river, where he spent time taking photographs and engaging in conversation about various topics.
The visit comes amid ongoing elections across four states and Puducherry, with West Bengal emerging as a key battleground. Over the past month, senior BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister, have made frequent visits to the state, underlining its political significance.
