“Bengal Welcomes Tourists…”: TMC Takes Swipe At Amit Shah, Lists Fish-Meat Menu For 15-Days Visit

The Trinamool Congress on Thursday intensified its attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah ahead of his planned 15-day visit to poll-bound West Bengal, using the state’s food culture to frame its criticism. The remarks are part of a broader political pitch by the Trinamool Congress to portray the BJP as an “outsider” force that is out of touch with Bengal’s social and cultural fabric, particularly its food habits.

In a post on X, the ruling party took a swipe at Shah by referring to him as a visitor, while asserting Bengal’s cultural openness. “Amit Shah has announced his decision to spend 15 days in Bengal. Good. Bengal welcomes tourists with open arms. Stay for as long as you like. And do not miss out on some of our finest delicacies,” the party said. It went on to list a range of traditional dishes, adding, “We highly recommend Muri Ghonto, Pabda Macher Jhal, Ilish Bhapa, Chingri Malai Curry, Bhetki Paturi, and Kosha Mangsho. Have a pleasant stay!”

The controversy stems from earlier statements by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who accused the BJP of attempting to curb the consumption and sale of fish and meat if it comes to power in the state. Also, from examples of BJP ruled states, where meat and fish shops allegedly came under attack.

Addressing a rally in Purulia, Banerjee cited a reported move in Bihar regulating the open sale of meat and described it as harmful to livelihoods. “I came across a report about the Bihar deputy chief minister asserting that fish and meat cannot be sold in the open market. This is anti-people and condemnable,” she said.

She questioned the feasibility of such measures, adding, “Can everyone sell meat and fish in shopping malls? What will happen to the majority of fish and meat sellers on the road? What about their livelihood? Such politics is deplorable.”

Escalating her criticism, Banerjee warned of similar policies being implemented in Bengal if the BJP comes to power. “If the BJP comes to power, they will ban meat and fish in Bengal… Only those who have a licence can sell meat indoors. So, will everyone sell meat and fish in shopping malls? Only a few have the economic strength to do so. Most fish sellers sell fresh fish on the streets here. This is how they earn their bread. I condemn this politics,” she alleged.​