“Bring Hilsa, I’ll feed you”: Smriti Irani hits back at TMC’s non-veg ban charge

Amid the ongoing political debate over food habits in West Bengal, senior BJP leader Smriti Irani on Wednesday dismissed allegations that the party would ban non-vegetarian food if voted to power. Responding to the claims, she said, “Bring Hilsa fish, I will personally serve and feed you,” in a direct attempt to counter the narrative being pushed by the Trinamool Congress.

The remarks came during a party programme where the BJP launched and distributed the “Matrishakti Bharosa Card.” Addressing the gathering, Irani extended New Year greetings and urged that political discourse should move beyond food choices to focus on pressing issues such as women’s safety and corruption. She also alleged that BJP candidate Ratna Debnath from Panihati has faced harassment and social boycott by Trinamool supporters.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of repeated allegations by the Trinamool Congress that the BJP intends to alter the food habits of Bengalis by discouraging fish and meat consumption. The BJP has consistently denied these claims, with Irani’s statement seen as a direct rebuttal aimed at reassuring voters during the election campaign.

The issue has gained further traction after remarks on fish production and consumption in the state became part of the political narrative. While the BJP has raised concerns about West Bengal’s dependence on fish imports despite high demand, the state leadership has rejected these claims. As campaigning intensifies, the debate over food politics continues to remain a prominent theme in the electoral discourse.