Kolkata, 15 April (H.S.) : With the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, “fish” has emerged as an unlikely political flashpoint in the state, prompting sharp exchanges between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday took a swipe at the BJP while addressing a campaign rally in Bishnupur in South 24 Parganas. Mocking BJP leaders for using fish as part of their outreach, he said they would be made to cut and sell fish after the elections.

“Those who are now campaigning with fish will be made to sit in markets and sell fish, and work alongside fishermen after the polls,” Banerjee said.

The controversy stems from remarks made earlier by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had criticised West Bengal’s fisheries policy during a rally in Haldia. In response, the TMC accused BJP-ruled states of imposing restrictions on the sale of non-vegetarian food, including fish and meat.

In an apparent attempt to counter the charge, BJP candidates have been seen incorporating fish into their campaign activities. Banerjee ridiculed the move, saying, “Those who vandalised Vidyasagar’s statue in 2021 are now roaming the streets with rohu, katla and hilsa. They came to change Bengal, but ended up changing themselves.”

Escalating his attack, he said those who insult the fishing community would be made to sit with fish vendors and sell fish after the elections.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, campaigning in north Bengal, accused the TMC of deteriorating law and order and encouraging infiltration. He urged voters to support the BJP, promising strict action against infiltrators if the party comes to power.

Hitting back, Banerjee said, “People from Gujarat are coming here to threaten and intimidate. I would ask Amit Shah to remain in Bengal on the evening of May 4—we will meet after the results.”

Banerjee also campaigned in support of TMC candidate Dilip Mondal from Bishnupur and held a roadshow from Chariyal More to Pujali Petrol Pump backing party candidate Ashok Deb in the Budge Budge constituency.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh