‘Bengalis will eat what they want’: BJP refutes Mamata Banerjee’s claim that the party will ban meat and fish in West Bengal

On Tuesday, 17th February, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP would ban fish and meat in the state if it came to power, triggering a sharp political exchange. In response, Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said people in the state “will eat whatever they want to eat” and made it clear that there is no question of banning fish or meat in Bengal.

The controversy began after questions were raised about a recent order by the Bihar government regulating the open sale of meat. Referring to that order, Banerjee said that fish and meat would not be allowed in open markets and only licensed sellers could operate indoors.

She questioned how small traders would survive if sales were shifted inside buildings or malls. According to her, most fish sellers in Bengal sell fresh fish on the streets and earn their daily bread that way. “Only a few people can afford space in shopping malls. What about the thousands who sit outside and sell vegetables and fish?” she asked, adding that such politics would hurt poor families.

Banerjee further said that if anyone tried to ban fish, meat or eggs in Bengal, people would not accept it. She accused the BJP of playing divisive politics and warned against any attempt to weaken democratic and constitutional rights. “No chair is permanent. People are permanent,” she said, adding that the public would respond at the right time if democracy were bulldozed.

Denying these allegations, Bhattacharya said in a press conference that no such decision had been taken or even discussed by the BJP in Bengal. He said Bengalis are known for their love of fish and that there is no question of stopping people from eating what they like. “Can Bengalis not eat fish? Bengal will have its fish and meat,” he said.

He also clarified that the party’s stand is only against the open sale of beef, and not fish or other meat products. He also said that people in Bihar or Bengal would never accept such restrictions. The state BJP leaders said that the clarification was required to clear any confusion regarding the party’s stand.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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