Fish became central to the Bengal Assembly election on Wednesday, as both the ruling Trinamool party and the opposition BJP used it to attract voters on Poila Biashakh, or Bengali New Year’s Day.
BJP candidate carrying fish in campaign Rallies
Senior state minister and Trinamool leader Aroop Biswas led a procession from Garia Bramhapur in south Kolkata centered on the theme of ‘Maach-Bhaat-e-Bangali’ (Bengalis swear by fish and rice). He claimed the BJP would restrict fish and meat consumption if it gained power.
Aroop Biswas’s rally included colorful tiger and owl masks, reflecting traditional festivities. Women participants wore white sarees with red borders, while others sported themed t-shirts.
“In BJP-ruled states, people have thrown fish onto the streets, and sellers have faced harassment,” Biswas said. “No power can take ‘maach-bhaat’ from the plate of Bengalis. We have joined this protest to protect our heritage.”
Another candidates carry large fish containers
Shreya Pandey, Trinamool’s candidate for the Maniktala Assembly seat, joined a special Poila Boishakh campaign at Maniklata Market, carrying a large container full of fish.
“Bengalis live by maachh-bhaat [fish and rice]; Bengal is self-reliant when it comes to fish. The sheer falsehood of honourable Modi’s claims will be exposed during the celebrations of the Bengali New Year. Mr.Modi, come and see for yourself, come and taste the fish of Bengal,” the promotional material said.
Madan Mitra, the colorful MLA and Trinamool candidate from Kamarhati near Kolkata, visited the Dakshineswar Kali Temple with cooked fish as an offering. “I am taking fish I have cooked to offer to Ramakrishna,” he said.