Fish Politics in Bengal: W Bengal Assembly Election-2026: How Mamata Banerjee is Making 'Machh-Bhat' a Key Political Issue? How fish has emerged at the center of Bengal's politics?
Fish Politics in Bengal: W Bengal Assembly Election-2026: Typically, elections revolve around discussions on employment and corruption; however, the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections have taken on a new and unique hue.
In Bengal, dietary preferences—specifically fish—are no longer confined merely to the dining plate; they have transformed into a major political battleground concerning identity and culture. The Trinamool Congress has placed the slogan "Machh-Bhat Bangali" (Fish-and-Rice Bengali) at the very core of its electoral strategy, introducing a fascinating twist to the state's politics. For the average Bengali, food is the very essence of their soul—and now, that very food has become the most potent tool for garnering votes.
Emergence of fish at the center of Bengal's politics
The emergence of fish at the center of Bengal's politics is no mere coincidence. This saga began when Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced his intention to stay in Bengal for a period of 15 days. In response, the Trinamool Congress shared a social media post that sparked a statewide debate. While welcoming Amit Shah, the party took the opportunity to suggest that he sample some of Bengal's renowned varieties of fish.
BJP will impose restrictions on the dietary habits of Bengalis: Mamata
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has begun alleging in her rallies that if the BJP comes to power, it will impose restrictions on the dietary habits of Bengalis and attempt to forcibly turn people into vegetarians. This narrative strikes directly at the cultural identity of the common Bengali, as here, fish is not merely a food item but an integral part of social life.
Mamata projecting BJP as a ‘vegetarian outsider’ party
Mamata Banerjee’s strategy in this election appears remarkably clear. She is projecting the BJP as a ‘vegetarian outsider’ party—one that shares no affinity with the soil and traditions of Bengal. In a rally, Mamata warned voters that should the BJP assume power, they would be unable to consume fish, meat, or eggs; furthermore, if they were to do so, they would face humiliation and be branded as ‘Bangladeshis.’
An intensely sensitive and deeply emotional issue for any Bengali
Bengal’s geographical landscape is such that its rivers and ponds have, for centuries, served as the bedrock of the region's ‘Machh-Bhat’ (fish and rice) culture. Indeed, in many temples, fish is offered as Bhog (sacred food offering), and the renowned Durga Puja festivities traditionally culminate with the offering of Jora Ilish (a pair of Hilsa fish). In North Bengal, the Shol fish is even revered as the celestial vehicle (Vahana) of a local deity. Against this backdrop, any talk of dietary restrictions becomes an intensely sensitive and deeply emotional issue for any Bengali.
BJP dismissed these allegations as mere propaganda
This sharp offensive launched by the Trinamool Congress has forced the BJP onto the defensive. The party is now making every possible effort to avoid appearing ‘anti-fish.’ BJP State President Sukanta Majumdar has dismissed these allegations as mere ‘propaganda,’ yet the campaign style adopted by his candidates tells a completely different story.'
BJP candidate held a massive five-kg Catla fish in his hands
Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay, the BJP candidate from Bidhannagar, was recently spotted mingling with voters while holding a massive five-kilogram Catla fish in his hands. In Pandaveswar, BJP candidate Jitendra Nath Tiwari went so far as to organize a full-fledged ‘fish procession,’ in which his supporters marched along carrying live fish in baskets.
8,36,000 tons of fish are consumed annually
The statistics regarding fish consumption in West Bengal are enough to astonish anyone. Approximately 8,36,000 tons of fish are consumed here annually—a figure that is nearly double the national average. For Bengalis, fish is an integral part of every ritual and ceremony, from birth to death. Whether it is a wedding celebration or a Shraddha (commemoration) ceremony, no event is considered complete without the presence of fish.
Has TMC steered the election narrative away from critical issues?
Political analysts believe that the Trinamool Congress has deliberately steered the election narrative away from critical issues—such as corruption—and shifted the focus to a ‘battle over the menu card’ in an effort to shield itself from the anti-incumbency wave. On the other hand, the greatest challenge facing the BJP is how to convince the people of Bengal that the autonomy of their kitchens—and their dietary choices—will remain completely secure.