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Mahasangram on Fish: What is &8216;Mach-Bhaat&8217; Will decide the next Chief Minister of Bengal, who will get caught in the political dilemma?

By Samira Vishwas

Fish Politics Bengal: This time, waves are rising in the electoral sea of ​​West Bengal not because of any policy or development promises, but because of a fish. Usually, employment and corruption are discussed in elections, but the Bengal 2026 assembly elections have taken on a new and unique colour.

In Bengal, the choice of food, especially fish, is no longer limited to just a plate, but has transformed into a major political battle of identity and culture. Trinamool Congress ‘Mach-Bhat Bengali’ Has made the slogan the center of its election strategy, which has brought a very interesting turn in the politics of the state. For a common Bengali, his food is his soul, and now this food has become the biggest tool for getting votes.

Why is the fish floating out of the plate on the political platform (Fish Politics)?

The arrival of fish at the center of Bengal politics is no coincidence. It started when Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced to stay in Bengal for 15 days. In response, Trinamool Congress shared a post on social media which sparked debate across the state. The party welcomed Amit Shah and advised him to taste the famous fishes of Bengal.
west bengal

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has started alleging in her rallies that if the BJP comes to power, it will impose restrictions on the eating habits of Bengalis and try to force people to become vegetarian. This narrative directly attacks the cultural identity of the common man of Bengal, because here fish is not just food but an essential part of social life.

Mamta’s big attack and vegetarian fear of outsider

Mamata Banerjee’s strategy is very clear in this election. He calls the BJP a ‘vegetarian outsider’ They are presenting themselves as a party, which has no match with the soil and traditions of Bengal. Mamata warned voters at a rally that if BJP comes, they will not be able to eat fish, meat or eggs and if they do, they will be called ‘Bangladeshi’. Will be insulted by saying.

The geographical position of Bengal is such that the rivers and ponds here have been the basis of Machh-Bhat culture for centuries. Even in many temples fish is offered as &8216;Bhog&8217; Is offered as and also concludes the famous Durga Puja with ‘Joda Ilish’ (Two Hilsa fish). In North Bengal, ‘Shol Machh’ It is considered to be the vehicle of a local deity. In such a situation, the issue of food ban becomes a very sensitive and emotional issue for any Bengali.

BJP’s counterattack through Katla fish and procession

This sharp attack by Trinamool Congress has put BJP in a defensive position. The party is now making every effort to position itself as ‘anti-fish’ To avoid being seen. BJP state president Sukant Majumdar termed these allegations as mere ‘propaganda’ But the style of election campaign of their candidates is telling a different story.

BJP candidate from Bidhannagar Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay was recently seen roaming among the voters carrying a huge five kg Katla fish in his hand. In Pandaveshwar, BJP candidate Jitendra Nath Tiwari even organized a ‘fish procession’. In which his supporters were carrying live fishes in baskets.

What is the importance of Machh Bhaat?

The figures of fish consumption in West Bengal can surprise anyone. About 8.36 lakh tonnes of fish is consumed here every year, which is almost double the national average. For Bengalis, fish is a part of every ritual from birth to death. Be it a wedding celebration or Shraddha ritual, no event is considered complete without fish.

Also read: Big action by Election Commission in Bengal, 4 police officers including DC suspended for lapse in security of Amit Shah

Political experts believe that Trinamool Congress is deliberately diverting the elections from tough issues like corruption and playing a ‘menu card’ So that it can defend itself from the anti-incumbency wave. On the other hand, the biggest challenge for the BJP is how to assure the people of Bengal that their kitchen freedom will be completely safe.

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