BJP's Anurag Thakur relishes maach bhaat during Bengal campaign, AAP takes swipe
On the final day of campaigning for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly polls, BJP MP Anurag Thakur was seen enjoying maach bhaat, (fish and rice), a move that quickly drew criticism from AAP, which alleged it was being done for electoral gains.
BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Tuesday savoured maach bhaat (fish and rice) on the last day of hectic campaigning for the first phase of polling for the West Bengal Assembly polls. The move triggered a sharp retort from AAP, which accused Thakur of resorting to such optics for electoral gains.
A viral video shows Thakur, a former union minister, and other BJP leaders relishing shorshe maach bhaat (fish in mustard gravy and rice), using the moment to counter the Trinamool Congress's claim that the BJP would ban fish if it is voted to power in West Bengal.
"We are eating meat, fish and rice. The BJP has its own governments in 16 states. NDA has its government in 20 states and there is no restriction anywhere on anyone's speech, food or worship. But, Mamata Banerjee has no achievements in 15 years. She is resorting to spreading fear, confusion and rumours," he told news agency ANI.
"They couldn't stop infiltration, corruption and couldn't provide employment... Corruption has ruined West Bengal. May 4 is coming and TMC is going out," he said.
West Bengal, which has 294 Assembly seats, will vote in two phases on April 23 and 29. Results will be out on May 4.
AAP HITS BACK
AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha mocked Thakur for eating fish while dressed in saffron attire, alleging hypocrisy. He accused the BJP of shutting meat and fish shops in other states, while adopting a different stance in Bengal for electoral gains.
"These are the very people who go around getting meat and fish shops shut down in Delhi and other cities. Now that Bengal's elections are here, the Prime Minister has gone and imposed fish-eating on everyone. What all won't you do for power, sir? This is the real move, character and face of the BJP folks," he said.
In West Bengal’s politically-charged atmosphere, maach has turned into a political flashpoint, with the Trinamool Congress accusing the BJP of being “anti-Bengali” and warning of possible curbs on non-vegetarian food. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had cited restrictions in NDA-ruled states to argue that Bengal’s food culture could be at risk.
Sensing concern among voters, the BJP mounted a counter, showcasing its leaders publicly enjoying fish to neutralise the narrative. State leaders like Suvendu Adhikari and Sukanta Majumder, among others, were recently seen relishing maach bhaat.
What began as a cultural staple has now become a potent political symbol, with both sides using the Bengali thali to shape voter perception in what is expected to be a tightly contested election.