I'm a non-vegetarian by hobby: BJP's Temjen Imna claps back at Mamata Banerjee

BJP leader and Nagaland Minister Temjen Imna Along took aim at Mamata Banerjee over allegations that his party is anti-fish and meat, touting his own non-vegetarian amid political theatre over food in poll-bound West Bengal.

The popular leader, known for his viral social media posts, posted a video on X showing himself seated and ready to demolish a plate of meat dishes, with papad and curry piled high on the table.

"Mamata Didi, I am in the BJP and a non-vegetarian by hobby," he wrote in the caption.

His post came a day after campaigning for the first phase of the Bengal Assembly elections ended, with food habits emerging as a key poll plank. Fish, long central to the state’s cuisine, has slipped from the plate into the heart of the campaign narrative.

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has claimed the BJP would ban the consumption of fish, meat and eggs if it comes to power. The saffron party has vehemently denied the charge.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has warned that the BJP "threatens Bengal’s way" of life, framing fish and rice as non-negotiable staples central to Bengal's identity.

"The BJP will not allow you to eat fish. Nor will they allow you to eat meat or eggs," she said during a poll rally.

At another public meeting, the TMC supremo sharpened her attack. "Bengal lives on fish and rice. You are telling Bengal people you can’t have fish, you cannot have meat, you cannot have eggs — what will they eat then?"

In response, BJP leaders have leaned into public displays of eating non-vegetarian food. Candidates have campaigned with fish and shared meals featuring meat dishes to counter the party’s perceived vegetarian image.

That perception has been shaped in part by periodic restrictions on meat sales in some BJP-ruled states, including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, as well as crackdowns linked to cow protection.

On Tuesday, BJP MP Anurag Thakur joined party workers for a meal of 'maach bhaat' (fish curry with rice) in Kolkata.

"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... is resorting to spreading fear, confusion and rumours," he said.

The TMC is seeking a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP aims to unseat the Mamata Banerjee government in a high-stakes contest. Voting in 152 constituencies across Bengal is scheduled for April 23, with the second phase on April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4.