BJP MP Anurag Thakur Responds to Mamata Banerjee's Fish Ban Claim with Traditional West Bengal Dish

West Bengal Assembly Elections: BJP Attempts to Rebut Allegations Over Fish Consumption

The final day of campaigning for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections saw BJP MP Anurag Thakur and other party leaders enjoying fish and rice in a move aimed at rebutting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's allegations that the BJP would ban fish consumption if voted to power.

A video of Thakur and state BJP leaders eating shorshe maach with rice highlighted the significance of the staple Bengali dish in the ongoing political contest. The BJP's state unit has been trying to assure voters that the party does not oppose traditional food habits, particularly fish, which holds cultural significance in Bengal. The move is part of the party's efforts to counter Mamata Banerjee's claim that the BJP would impose restrictions on food choices if it formed the government.

Mamata Banerjee had warned at a rally that the BJP would impose restrictions on fish, meat, and egg consumption if it formed the government in West Bengal. She also accused the party of attempting to polarise voters and undermine local traditions. In response, BJP leaders sought to counter the narrative by publicly eating fish during campaign events.

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According to BJP MP Anurag Thakur, the party governs 16 states and the NDA is in power in 20, and nowhere are there restrictions on food choices, speech, or worship. He accused Mamata Banerjee of spreading fear among voters, alleging that the ruling party was attempting to divert attention from issues such as infiltration, corruption, and unemployment. He also predicted that the Trinamool Congress would be voted out.

Opposition leaders, however, mocked the move. AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha criticised Thakur for eating fish while dressed in saffron attire, accusing the BJP of adopting different positions in different states for electoral advantage. AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj also targeted Thakur, claiming the gesture was politically motivated and accusing him of disrespecting religious sentiments. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra joined in, sarcastically welcoming Thakur to Bengal and saying he could enjoy fish without fear.