With fish emerging as an unlikely but potent political symbol in West Bengal’s election narrative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of failing to meet even the most basic dietary needs of Bengalis. Addressing a rally in the Haldia industrial belt, Modi directly addressed the concerns of “maache-bhaate” (fish-and-rice-loving) Bengalis, countering the TMC’s campaign that the BJP would ban fish in the state if voted to power.
“During its 15-year tenure, the Trinamool government has failed to provide you with even enough fish to eat,” he said.
The Prime Minister alleged that despite India’s overall fish production doubling over the past 11 years, West Bengal has witnessed a decline. He attributed this to alleged misgovernance and corruption by the state administration, claiming that Bengal still depends on other states to meet its fish demand.
Highlighting the Centre’s fisheries push, Modi pointed to the success of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, stating that BJP-ruled states have significantly improved production. Citing Bihar as an example, he said the state has transitioned from being a fish importer to an exporter. He assured that similar measures would be implemented in Bengal to boost production and improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk if the BJP comes to power.
Fish—central to Bengal’s culture and cuisine—has now become a key political flashpoint in the ongoing election campaign. BJP has sought to neutralise allegations regarding a potential ban, while simultaneously using the issue to question the TMC’s governance record.
Beyond fisheries, Modi’s speech carried a strong political message. Invoking the 2021 Assembly elections, particularly the high-stakes battle in Nandigram, he signaled a broader push for political change.
Without naming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Modi took a dig at her stronghold, Bhabanipur.
“Five years ago, Nandigram showed the way to change. This time, history will repeat itself in Bhabanipur,” he asserted, adding that the wave of change would extend across the entire state. The reference to Nandigram recalls the 2021 contest where BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari defeated Mamata Banerjee in a closely fought and controversial election.
As campaigning intensifies, Bhabanipur—considered a political bastion of the Chief Minister—has emerged as a crucial battleground. Modi’s remarks indicate the BJP’s strategy to combine cultural issues like food habits with broader governance critiques to challenge the TMC’s dominance.
With 'fish politics' now firmly in play, the upcoming election in West Bengal is shaping into a high-voltage contest where identity, livelihood and political symbolism are deeply intertwined.
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