"Ahead of Shri Modi’s meeting, NDA leaders, led by Shri LK Advani meet the President to convey support"
"A letter stating that Shri Modi has been elected as Leader of BJP Parliamentary Party was handed over to the President."
On the afternoon of 20th May, 2014, the Honourable President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee appointed Shri Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India. Shri Narendra Modi called on the Honourable President at Rashtrapati Bhawan. He also thanked the Honourable President for his wishes.
Earlier, a delegation of NDA leaders led by Shri LK Advani ji met the Honourable President and staked claim to form the next Government. The delegation handed letters of support stating that Shri Modi has been elected as the leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party. Apart from Shri Advani the delegation consisted of Shri Parkash Singh Badal, Shri Rajnath Singh, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Shri Arun Jaitley, Shri Uddhav Thackeray, Shri Chandrababu Naidu, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Shri Rio among other leaders.
A press release shared by the President’s Office has stated, “As Shri Narendra Modi has been elected leader of the BJP Parliamentary Party and BJP has the majority support in the House of the People, the President appointed Shri Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India and requested him to advise the names of others to be appointed Members of the Council of Ministers.”
The President has also given Shri Modi a formal letter of appointment as the Prime Minister.
PM Modi lays foundation stone, inaugurates various development works worth Rs.18,700 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal
March 14, 2026
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Mechanisation at the Haldia Dock Complex will speed up cargo operations, enhance port capacity and strengthen trade facilities: PM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated various development works worth more than Rs.18,000 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal, today. Addressing the gathering the Prime Minister remarked, "Today, from the land of Kolkata, a new chapter of development is being written for West Bengal and Eastern India."
The Prime Minister highlighted that the foundation stones and dedications of projects worth more than ₹18,000 crore related to roads, railways, and port infrastructure have been carried out at this event. He emphasized that these projects will give new momentum to West Bengal and Eastern India, boost trade and industry, and make life easier for lakhs of people by providing them new opportunities. Referring to some of the key projects, the Prime Minister noted that the completion of the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway will accelerate economic activities across many parts of West Bengal. He also mentioned the Dubrajpur Bypass and the major bridges being constructed over the Kangsabati and Shilabati rivers, which will further improve connectivity. "I congratulate the people of West Bengal and the entire Eastern India for these transformative projects," remarked Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister stated that a vigorous campaign is underway across the country to modernize the Indian Railways, and it is the firm resolve of the government that West Bengal does not lag behind in this mission. He pointed out that the Central Government is rapidly expanding the railway infrastructure in West Bengal. On this occasion, the Automatic Block Signalling System on the Kalaikunda–Kanimahuli section has been dedicated to the nation. "These initiatives will enhance the capacity of busy rail routes, make journeys safer, and also increase speed and convenience for passengers", asserted Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister announced the inauguration of six stations, Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum, and Siuri,as Amrit Bharat Stations. He noted that the great culture of Bengal is now shining even more brightly at these stations, and several more stations are undergoing redevelopment. A new express train service between Purulia and Anand Vihar Terminal has also been flagged off. "This train service will benefit not only the people of West Bengal but also those in Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi" , affirmed Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister emphasized that ports and water transport play an equally important role as road and rail connectivity in driving economic progress. He observed that for decades, this immense potential of Eastern India was largely neglected, but today, waterways are opening new avenues for trade and industrial advancement. In this direction, foundation stones and dedications of key port infrastructure projects have been carried out. The Prime Minister highlighted that Kolkata and Haldia ports have long been major centres of trade in Eastern India, and the mechanization of the Haldia Dock Complex will accelerate cargo operations, enhance port capacity, and provide new facilities for trade. Additionally, the renovation of the Bascule Bridge in the Kolkata Dock System and the augmentation of cargo handling capacity at Kidderpore Dock are also being undertaken. "All these projects will further strengthen the logistics system of Eastern India", asserted Shri Modi.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister underscored that the new projects related to roads, railways, and ports are paving the way for a modern future for West Bengal. He noted that the benefits of these projects will reach farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, students, and every section of society. New opportunities will emerge in sectors like tourism, and local industries and services will gain fresh momentum. The Prime Minister recalled Bengal's historic role in showing the way to India and expressed his conviction that strong connectivity and modern infrastructure will form the foundation of a developed Bengal. "It is our resolve that Bengal, which has always shown the way to India, should once again achieve that glory by becoming a 'Viksit Bengal' ", emphasized Shri Modi.
आज देश में रेलवे को आधुनिक बनाने का तेज अभियान चल रहा है।
हमारा ये संकल्प है कि पश्चिम बंगाल इस अभियान में पीछे न रहे।
इसीलिए, केंद्र सरकार, पश्चिम बंगाल के रेलवे इंफ्रास्ट्रक्चर का भी तेजी से विस्तार कर रही है: PM @narendramodi
