The Political Significance of Fish in West Bengal's Assembly Elections

In the lead-up to the West Bengal assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates are leveraging the cultural significance of fish to connect with voters. Koustav Bagchi, the BJP's candidate from Barrackpore, and Rakesh Singh, another candidate, have been seen brandishing fish during their campaign activities. This tactic is not merely a display; it serves as a visual cue to resonate with the local populace, where fish is deeply intertwined with identity and culinary tradition. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has criticized the BJP, asserting that they threaten Bengal's way of life by promoting a vegetarian agenda, which she claims would restrict the consumption of fish, meat, and eggs.

The BJP has responded vigorously to Banerjee's claims. Smriti Irani, a prominent BJP leader, dismissed the assertion that the party would limit fish consumption as a "lie." Swapan Dasgupta, the BJP's candidate from Kolkata's Rashbehari seat, labeled the accusation a distraction from the TMC's alleged corruption. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also entered the fray, accusing Banerjee's government of failing to ensure local fish production, stating that Bengal relies on fish sourced from outside the state. Banerjee countered this by asserting that 80% of Bengal's fish needs are met locally.

Fish consumption in West Bengal is not just a dietary choice; it reflects broader socio-economic dynamics. A 2024 study by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and WorldFish indicated that approximately 65.7% of people in West Bengal consume fish weekly. This figure is significant in a country where fish consumption is rising, yet West Bengal stands out as a region where fish is nearly universal. The cultural resonance of fish extends beyond nutrition, encompassing historical, geographical, and class-related narratives.

The BJP's engagement with fish as a campaign symbol highlights its strategic importance in the election. Historian Jayanta Sengupta notes that fish is "inseparable from Bengali cuisine," making it a potent symbol for political discourse. The BJP's attempts to counter the TMC's narrative reflect an understanding of the cultural significance of fish in Bengal. Samik Bhattacharya, the BJP's state President, even suggested that the party would celebrate the election results with fried fish, further embedding the symbol into the campaign's fabric.

While fish may not ultimately determine the election outcome, it has undeniably shaped the political landscape, illustrating how cultural elements are woven into the fabric of electoral contests. The ongoing dialogue around fish consumption reveals the intricate relationship between identity, livelihoods, and political strategy in West Bengal's assembly elections. As the campaign progresses, the symbolic use of fish will likely continue to play a pivotal role in framing the narratives of both the BJP and the TMC.

• “Bengal lives on fish and rice. You are telling Bengal people you can't have fish, you cannot have meat, you cannot have eggs - what will they eat then?” — Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal

• “Bengal and fish and rice are a part of its culture which will never end” — Smriti Irani, BJP Leader

• “They are trying to divert public attention from their corruption with this false narrative that we will prohibit fish consumption. This is rubbish.” — Swapan Dasgupta, BJP Candidate

• “Even after 15 years in power, the Trinamool Congress has failed to provide you with even something as basic as fish.” — Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

There are discrepancies regarding the BJP's influence on fish consumption in states it governs, with Banerjee accusing the party of restricting fish sales in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The BJP refutes these claims, emphasizing their commitment to Bengal's cultural practices.