Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Kolkata on Tuesday evening, visited an ailing monk of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Modi will address a public rally at Barasat in North 24 Parganas district, where Sandeshkhali is situated, and inaugurate the country’s first underwater Metro section between Howrah Maidan and Kolkata’s Esplanade on Wednesday.
Upon his arrival in the city, he went to Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan where Ramakrishna Math and Mission president Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj is undergoing treatment, and inquired about his health.
“Upon reaching Kolkata, went to hospital and enquired about the health of the President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Srimat Swami Smaranananda ji Maharaj,” Modi said in a post on his official X handle.
“We are all praying for his good health and quick recovery,” he added.
The 95-year-old monk, who is the 16th president of RKM, has been hospitalised for more than a month due to age-related ailments, sources said.
Modi, who has strong ties with the Mission and its monks, had earlier visited its headquarters in Belur area of Howrah.
After visiting the ailing monk, the PM went to Raj Bhavan, where he will stay the night, a senior state BJP leader said.
State BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said the “tortured women” of Sandeshkhali, which has been rocked by protests over allegations of sexual abuse of women by TMC leaders, will be present at the rally venue.
“It is still not known whether the victims of Sandeshkhali will meet the prime minister or not,” he said.
Last week, state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said that if the “tortured women” express their willingness to meet the prime minister, the party will facilitate a meeting.
The prime minister’s rally will take place two days before International Women’s Day.
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