BJP Leaders Counter Mamata’s Narrative by Eating Fish in Bengal Amid Campaign
Updated: April 21, 2026
In a move that has sparked heated debate ahead of the forthcoming Assembly election in West Bengal, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, including national spokesperson Anurag Thakur, were seen enjoying a traditional ‘Maach Bhaat’ meal of fish and rice during their campaign in the state. This gesture is reportedly an attempt to counter Mamata Banerjee’s alleged narrative that the saffron party will restrict people’s eating habits, including their love for fish, if voted to power.
The BJP leaders made a conscious decision to eat fish in a clear display of defiance against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in a bid to win over the hearts and minds of the people in the coastal regions of the state, who are predominantly dependent on the fishing industry. This move, however, has received severe backlash from both the TMC and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with several key leaders from both parties taking to social media to express their discontent over the BJP’s decision.
The TMC and AAP have accused the BJP of playing cheap politics and resorting to gimmicks to gain popularity. They have also questioned the authenticity of the BJP’s move, suggesting that it was nothing but a publicity stunt designed to garner sympathy from the voters.
Mamata Banerjee, who has been at the helm of the state since 2011, has made it a point to highlight her government’s pro-farmer and pro-fisherfolk initiatives in the state. Her party, the TMC, has traditionally received substantial support from the coastal communities due to their effective policies and schemes that benefit the fishing community.
By eating fish, the BJP leaders were, therefore, seen as trying to emulate Mamata Banerjee’s approach and win over the fisherfolk’s support, thereby sending a signal to the voters that the party would be sympathetic to their needs.
The move, however, may backfire for the BJP, as some critics have argued that eating fish alone will not win over the hearts and minds of the people in a state where the people are more concerned about issues like job creation, education, and healthcare. Others have questioned the party’s motives and suggested that the move is a clear case of opportunism rather than genuine concern for the people.
The reaction from the people on the ground, however, remains to be seen. While some sections of the society may view the BJP’s move as a positive gesture, others might see it as an attempt to manipulate their emotions and win their votes.
The forthcoming election in West Bengal is expected to be a closely contested and intense battle, with several national parties, including the BJP, TMC, and AAP, vying for power. While the election results will only be out in due course, one thing is clear – the BJP’s attempt to win over the people’s hearts with a plate of fish will be a crucial part of the party’s strategy to make inroads in the state.
For now, the fishy politics of Bengal continues to make headlines, with the TMC and AAP maintaining that the BJP’s actions were an attempt to undermine their authority and that the people of Bengal will not fall for such cheap politics.
The outcome of the election in West Bengal is set to be a closely watched event, and only time will tell whether the BJP’s move will pay off or not.
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The BJP's move to eat fish and counter Mamata Banerjee's narrative may have short-term gains, but it raises questions about the party's sincerity and ability to address the complex issues facing the people of Bengal. The long-term repercussions of this move remain uncertain and will be closely watched by analysts and observers alike.
