In a fiery political exchange ahead of West Bengal’s assembly elections, TMC MLA Narayan Goswami has sharply criticized the BJP over Bihar’s recent ban on open sale of meat and fish. Speaking from Barasat on February 19, Goswami accused the BJP of plotting to dismantle Bengal’s cherished culinary traditions.
Bihar’s government decision to restrict meat and fish sales has ignited a nationwide debate, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee voicing strong opposition. Banerjee sees this as a potential flashpoint to rally voters in the upcoming polls, positioning it as an assault on cultural norms.
Goswami didn’t hold back, declaring, ‘Fish and rice define Bengali meals. If BJP comes to power in Bengal, they’ll ban meat and rice too.’ He charged that the party is scheming to overhaul the region’s food culture, but Bengalis, known for their intelligence, will deliver a resounding lesson at the ballot box.
The TMC leader also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa as ‘Swami’ during a recent speech. Dismissing it as election tactics, Goswami said PM Modi and Amit Shah are invoking Bengal’s sages out of frustration. ‘Bengal thinks ahead for the nation,’ he asserted, highlighting that five of India’s six Nobel laureates hail from the state, underscoring its unparalleled talent.
Goswami predicted a dismal showing for BJP in 2021 elections, stating even half their previous performance would be a miracle. No amount of name-dropping Swami Vivekananda, Paramhansa, or Chaitanya Mahaprabhu will salvage their campaign, he warned. As tensions simmer, this clash over food and faith could shape Bengal’s electoral narrative.