Kolkata, 30 March (H.S.): Food habits have become a fresh political flashpoint in the run-up to the West Bengal Assembly elections, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party over what she termed a threat to Bengal’s traditional diet.

Addressing a rally in Panskura, Banerjee alleged that if the BJP comes to power, the consumption of fish and meat—an integral part of Bengali food culture—could be affected. She described the BJP as a “party of looters” and accused it of misleading people and failing to govern effectively at the Centre.

The Trinamool Congress’ attack comes in the backdrop of a recent directive issued in BJP-ruled Bihar, where restrictions were imposed on the public sale of meat near educational and religious institutions. The All India Trinamool Congress has claimed that such measures could impact Bengal’s cultural and culinary identity if replicated in the state.

The BJP, however, dismissed the allegation as baseless and accused the ruling party of indulging in “issue-less politics.” Party leaders asserted that the BJP has no intention of interfering with people’s food choices.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also rejected the allegations, saying the Trinamool Congress was trying to create confusion ahead of the elections. He said BJP leaders themselves consume fish and eggs, countering the narrative being projected by the ruling party.

With both sides trading sharp barbs, the issue has added a new dimension to the high-voltage political campaign in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey