The political pot boils over in West Bengal around fish and politics amidst election campaigning. TMC supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, having offered to cook for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sparked controversy. Mamata said, if he wishes, I am ready to cook something for him. However, I doubt whether he will eat food cooked by me or not. This comment of Mamata's has brought reactions from BJP as well as other parties. While BJP has condemned it as a political agenda, CPI(M) claimed it as an indication of a secret understanding between BJP-TMC.
Actually, last month Prime Minister Modi targeted RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for eating fish during a period when the Hindu community abstains from non-vegetarian food. On Monday, Mamata Banerjee said she's ready to cook for him (Modi) if he wants... However, I am not sure whether he will eat what I cook.
'I would be pleased to cook for Modi'
Mamata encapsulated at an electoral rally, taking a dig at BJP's alleged interference in people's diet. She expressed, 'I would be delighted to cook for Modi, but I am not assured that the Prime Minister would be ready to eat a meal prepared by me. Since childhood, I have been cooking. People praise my cooking, but will Modi accept my meal? Will he (Modi) trust me? Whatever he likes, I will prepare.'
'I adore both dhokla and fish curry'
Mamata continued, 'I adore both vegetarian dishes like dhokla and non-vegetarian fare like 'Macher Jhol' (fish curry). Various Hindu communities and sects have their unique customs and culinary practices. Who does BJP think they are to impose restrictions on someone's diet?' This shows that the BJP leadership has very little knowledge and understanding of India's diversity and inclusiveness.
'BJP leaders say - Mamata wants to feed Modi fish and rice'
On the other hand, BJP has reacted sharply to Mamata's offer to cook for the Prime Minister. Former BJP state president and ex-governor of Tripura, Tathagata Roy, posted on social media saying, 'Mamata Banerjee wants to feed Modi her hand-cooked fish and rice. It is a good proposal. But before that, why doesn't she feed her trusted Firhad Hakim? It would serve three purposes. First, it would enhance secularism. Second, it would be known that charity begins at home, and third, praise for pakoras would also ensue.'
'Mamata knows Modi doesn't eat non-veg'
BJP leader Sankudeb Panda said, 'Mamata Banerjee is deliberately inviting Modi to a meal, while she knows that the PM is purely vegetarian. Panda stated, 'This is nothing but one of her tactics. On one hand, she knows that the PM will never eat fish or any other non-veg. If she believes everyone should be allowed to eat their choice of food, why does she twist Modi's comments about someone's dietary habits? She is insulting devout Hindus.'
CPI(M) suggests a possible understanding between TMC-BJP
Responding to Mamata's statement, CPI(M) leader Vikas Bhattacharya commented, 'As a brother and sister, Mamata Didi could certainly offer to cook for the Prime Minister. I do not know if this is to please him or not. Speaking about the alleged covert understanding between BJP and TMC, Bhattacharya pointed out that both Mamata and Modi are responsible for bringing the country to this situation, combining politics with religion.
'Mamata made the right comment,' says TMC
Meanwhile, TMC supported their supremo's remarks, stating she addressed the uniqueness and unity in India's religious and cultural diversity. TMC MP Dola Sen said, 'What she said was apt, and her commentary about Modi is based on the fact that just like Modi has the right to eat his choice of food, so do other people.'
