West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed her discontent during a rally held in Bowbazar on April 24. She accused the Prime Minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating a publicity stunt during his visit to Jhargram, where he reportedly enjoyed jhal muri while campaigning for the elections. Banerjee highlighted that the arrangements surrounding this event were questionable, noting the presence of CCTV cameras at the food stall.

She claimed that the jhal muri consumed by the Prime Minister had been prepared under controlled circumstances for security reasons, stating, “They had fitted TV cameras and CCTV cameras earlier with the security.”

Furthermore, she alleged that a mere Rs 10 was handed to the vendor for the food, questioning the authenticity of the incident as she remarked, “In fact, I don’t carry any notes.”

Mamata Banerjee’s Response to Election Promises

In a witty retort to the BJP’s promises of consuming jhal muri if they secure victory, Banerjee declared, “I will give you bhelpuri from Delhi,” implying an alternative offering. She recounted her familiarity with various foods, mentioning, “We are habitual of spicy jhal muri, but have you ever tried fish and chicken curry?” Her remarks aimed to emphasise that she is well acquainted with a variety of culinary delights.

Banerjee further elaborated on her appreciation for diverse Indian cuisine, stating, “I eat your dhokla, I eat dosa, I eat litti, I eat thekua, I eat sattu.” She asserted her connection to a wide range of cultural traditions, stating, “I eat vermicelli during Eid, and I eat halwa,” suggesting that she should not be lectured on religion or culture.

Concerns Over Electronic Voting Machines

The Chief Minister also raised questions regarding the integrity of the upcoming Assembly elections, particularly those already completed on April 23, suggesting that the BJP’s confidence may stem from potential tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). She stated, “Have they fixed the Electronic Voting Machines? Otherwise, how can they be so confident about the election?” This statement reflected her apprehensions about the fairness of the electoral process.

Banerjee framed the upcoming elections as a pivotal moment for the rights of the citizens of Bengal, asserting, “The election would be a vote for the rights of the people.” This highlights her focus on local governance issues and the perceived implications of the election outcome for the region.

Prime Minister’s Counter Remarks

On the other side of the political arena, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken aim at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in anticipation of the next phase of elections. He commented that the jhal muri incident had delivered a “thunderous shock” to the ruling party. Modi accused the TMC of harbouring “infiltrators” and fostering an environment akin to “maha jungle raj.”

During a gathering in Krishnanagar, he expressed support for the Matua and Namashudra communities and promised to expedite citizenship processes under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Modi rallied the audience by stating, “You must wave the flag of the BJP-NDA’s victory with full strength,” adding, “On May 4, the celebration of the BJP’s victory will also take place in Bengal.”

He concluded by asserting that “jhal muri” had made a significant impact, stating, “I ate the jhal muri, but the jhal (spice) hit TMC.” This reflects the continuing political rivalry and the tactical use of cultural references in the campaign narratives of both parties.

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