Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP of targeting food habits ahead of Bengal polls

Kolkata, : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that if the party comes to power in the state after the upcoming  elections, it would impose restrictions on people’s food choices.

Addressing a public rally in Manbazar in Purulia district, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo claimed that the BJP would interfere in the dietary preferences of citizens. “If BJP forms the government in West Bengal, people will not be allowed to eat fish, meat, and eggs according to their preferences. Who are you to decide what people should eat?” she questioned, intensifying her party’s campaign against the  BJP.

Her remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah released a “chargesheet” against the ruling TMC government, accusing it of corruption and governance failures. Responding to the  allegations Banerjee said it was the BJP that should be held accountable for its past actions.

The Chief Minister further alleged that in states governed by the BJP, there have been attempts to restrict certain food practices, and warned that similar policies could be introduced in West Bengal if the party gains power. “They want to snatch away your right to food. They only know how to create divisions,” she said, accusing the BJP of pursuing divisive politics.

Banerjee also highlighted the nutritional importance of common food items such as fish, meat, and eggs, stating that these are rich in protein and essential for health. “If such restrictions are imposed, people’s health will suffer. Can anyone dictate what we should eat or how we should live?” she asked, drawing parallels to cultural freedom in music and lifestyle choices.

In a broader political attack, Banerjee alleged that key welfare schemes introduced by her government, including the popular Lakshmi Bhandar scheme, could be discontinued if the BJP assumes power in the state. The scheme provides financial assistance to women and has been a major pillar of the TMC’s welfare agenda.

The  BJP, however, has repeatedly denied such allegations in the past, accusing the TMC of spreading misinformation to influence voters ahead of elections. Political observers note that issues of identity, culture, and welfare are likely to dominate the electoral narrative in West Bengal in the coming months.

As the political battle intensifies, both parties are sharpening their campaigns, with rallies and counter-allegations becoming more frequent. Banerjee’s remarks signal an aggressive push to consolidate voter support by raising concerns over personal freedoms and social policies.

With the  elections  approaching, the rhetoric is expected to escalate further, setting the stage for a high-stakes political contest in the state.