'Can't Eat Fish In Bengal': Mamata Banerjee Attacks BJP In Poll Campaign

Last Updated:March 29, 2026, 14:37 IST

Mamata Banerjee attacks BJP and Amit Shah over riots, culture and fish eating, defends Lakshmir Bhandar, as BJP in Bengal showcases fish to woo voters.

In the race to win the hearts of Bengali voters, the state’s ruling Trinamool Congress Party (TMC) and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) have resorted to a new politics. And the flavour this time of the upcoming Assembly elections is little “fishy". Maach has slowly become a loud discussion point, but this Bengali thali essential landed in the hot pan of election after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that the BJP would restrict Bengalis from eating fish if it came to power.

Addressing a huge gathering in West Bengal’s Purulia, CM Mamata on Sunday said, “BJP says you can’t eat fish, meat, or eggs; they don’t believe in any religion; they resort to riots; Adivasis are exploited, and women are attacked in BJP-ruled states."

Through her remarks, CM Banerjee tried to present the BJP as out of touch with Bengal’s cultural traditions. She further went on to say, “A big BJP leader has unleashed his ‘chargesheet’ against TMC; a ‘chargesheet’ should be filed against them."

Mamata Banerjee Attacks Home Minister Shah

Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who on Friday in Kolkata released the BJP’s 15-year “chargesheet" against TMC rule, CM Banerjee said, “Yesterday, a very senior leader of the BJP—who came to power through riots—reportedly released a chargesheet against the Trinamool. I say, let me first publish a chargesheet against you. How many people have you killed through riots? Where were you when you were brought from America to Delhi in chains? This is a completely dishonest party. He is someone who cannot even hear people’s voices. His job is to strike off people’s names. They are rioters, authoritarian, and destroyers of democracy. No one should vote for them."

“All powers have been taken away from me. I want only one power—the power of the people," she added.

“They say I go around with bandages. Go and get a report from the doctor. Last time, I had to go to the people with a bandage on my leg. Are you planning to attack me? Before assassinating someone’s character, at least have some proof. Are you plotting to harm me?" she added.

BJP Promotes Fish In Bengal

Distancing itself from the popular notion that the party promotes a vegetarian diet, the BJP’s Bengal unit is trying hard to convince the electorate in the poll-bound state that it is not opposed to fish-eating.

On March 22, the BJP’s Bidhannagar candidate, Sharadwat Mukherjee, canvassed with a fish, trying to tell people that his party would never put any restrictions on non-vegetarian food if they were voted to power in West Bengal.

Will Continue Lakshmir Bhandar Benefits: CM Mamata

The BJP in Delhi does not speak the truth—only lies. We help everyone. We do not discriminate between people. We are humane, said Mamata Banerjee.

“You receive Lakshmir Bhandar benefits, don’t you? If you do, then remember—if the Trinamool Congress returns to power, you will continue to receive it throughout the year. But if the BJP comes to power, you may get it for just one day, and then it will be stopped. We have been providing it all year round, and we will continue to do so for five years," she added.

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