Kolkata, 20 April (H.S.): On Sunday, after addressing a public rally in Jhargram, West Bengal, BJP senior leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines by buying a 10-rupee serving of jhalmudi (a local snack) from a roadside vendor. However, this act soon became a target for sharp criticism from Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal and leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

During a public gathering in Murarai, Birbhum on Monday, Mamata accused the entire incident of being a pre-planned publicity stunt. She alleged that cameras and sound equipment were already set up at the roadside shop before the Prime Minister arrived. Additionally, she claimed that the Special Protection Group (SPG) officers, who are responsible for the Prime Minister’s security, were the ones who prepared the jhalmudi for him.

Mamata raised a question, “Does the Prime Minister really carry only 10 rupees in his pocket?” She further criticized the Prime Minister for indulging in such theatrics and compared it to his earlier remarks during elections, where he claimed to have been a tea vendor in his past.

The Chief Minister also questioned the authenticity of the moment, asking, “If everything was so spontaneous, how were the cameras already set up at the shop?” She emphasized that the public can understand these manipulative tactics.

Moreover, Mamata accused Prime Minister Modi of bringing in crowds to his rallies by using trains from outside the state, hinting that his public events were being artificially orchestrated.

On Sunday, after his rally in Jhargram, Modi's convoy was headed towards the helipad when he suddenly stopped his vehicle and approached a roadside shop. He asked the vendor for jhalmudi and paid 10 rupees for it. This impromptu act drew attention, with a crowd quickly gathering around the shop. Modi not only enjoyed the snack himself but also offered it to some of the people present at the scene.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey