A delightful roadside encounter from West Bengal’s electoral trail took center stage on Thursday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked his 76th birthday. In Jhargram, street food vendor Vikram Sahu turned his humble corner stall into a venue of joyous celebration, reviving fond memories of when the Prime Minister surprised locals by halting his official convoy to savor authentic Bengali jhalmuri (spicy puffed rice). The small street-side business became an attraction for residents and passing commuters as Sahu commemorated the milestone with festive fervor.
Raj College Crossing Stall Relives Historic Campaign Visit
The cherished memory dates back to April during the state assembly election campaign when Prime Minister Modi’s cavalcade made an unannounced stop near the bustling Raj College crossing. Stepping out of his security cordon, the Prime Minister walked straight to Sahu’s roadside setup, known locally as the Chavan Lal Special Jhalmuri shop. PM Modi spent several minutes engaging in warm banter with the delighted shopkeeper while relishing a freshly prepared portion of the iconic spiced puffed rice delicacy. Photographs and video clips of that candid interaction were widely broadcast and shared across the Prime Minister’s official social media channels, turning the modest street vendor into an overnight sensation.
Photos on Display, Free Snacks, and Prayers for Longevity
Marking the Prime Minister’s special day, Vikram Sahu organized a community event right at the shop counter, prominently showcasing framed photographs captured during the high-profile visit. Sahu personally distributed freshly tossed packets of spicy jhalmuri to visiting customers and well-wishers, reflecting on that afternoon as an unforgettable, life-defining milestone. Expressing profound gratitude for the humility shown by the country’s leader, the Jhargram shopkeeper offered heartfelt prayers for PM Modi’s robust health, enduring vitality, and long life in service to the nation.