BJP MP Anurag Thakur ate fish and rice in Kolkata, gave a befitting reply to Mamata Banerjee’s ‘ban on eating fish’ rumours, watch video

By Samira Vishwas On Apr 21, 2026

Kolkata: Political activity is intense regarding the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026. Elections are to be held in two phases on 23 and 29 April. Meanwhile, BJP MP Anurag Thakur made a scathing attack on Trinamool Congress while eating traditional Bengali thali of fish and rice during a press conference in Kolkata on Tuesday, April 21. This picture and statements of his have created a stir in the politics of Bengal.

Trinamool’s allegation and Anurag’s reply

Trinamool Congress is continuously alleging that if BJP comes to power, there will be a ban on eating meat and fish in Bengal. To break this illusion, Anurag Thakur himself gave the message by eating fish and rice. He said, “We are eating meat, fish and rice. BJP is running the government in 16 states and NDA in 20 states, but nowhere has there been any restriction on anyone’s food, worship or expression.”

Anurag Thakur targeted the Mamata Banerjee government and said that it has no concrete achievements in its 15-year rule. That’s why they are asking for votes by spreading fear and rumours.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: BJP MP Anurag Thakur says, "We are eating meat, fish and rice. BJP has its government 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… pic.twitter.com/osZNgKOZyN
— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2026

Questions on law and order and economy

Anurag Thakur also raised questions regarding the law and order of the state. He said that there is an atmosphere of crime and corruption in Bengal. For this reason investment is not coming here and the youth are leaving the state after getting brain drained. Hinting at the upcoming change, he said, “May 4 will come and TMC will go.”

Harshvardhan Shringla’s attack

BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla also spoke on this issue. He said that he likes all kinds of fish like Chingdi, Magur, Pabda, Rohu or Katla. But sadly, in Bengal, which has sea, rivers and ponds, the fishery industry did not develop as expected.

Shringla claimed that the fish found in Siliguri comes from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Gujarat. He asked, “Where is the fish of Bengal?” And replied that the TMC government did not invest in fisheries and ignored local farmers.

Kolkata, West Bengal: Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla says, "Let me start by talking about myself. My favorite food is fish. And I like all sorts of fish, whether it’s Chingri, whether it’s Magur maach, whether it’s Pabda, whether it is Ruhi, whether it is Katla. So I’m… pic.twitter.com/IqlAaecKfx
— IANS (@ians_india) April 21, 2026

Food became an election issue

In Kolkata, the picture of Anurag Thakur with fish and rice has now become not just a food item but also a part of the election strategy. BJP is trying to clear the confusion being spread by Trinamool Congress on this issue.

Whereas Trinamool Congress is calling it cultural interference by BJP. Every issue from food plate to development, law and order and investment has become heated in the politics of Bengal.