TMC mocks Amit Shah’s 15-day Bengal stay with ‘food tourism’ jibe
Ruling party suggests Union Home Minister enjoy Bengali delicacies; BJP calls remarks trivialising campaign
The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) on 2 April mocked Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his announcement that he would spend 15 days in West Bengal during the Assembly election campaign, describing the visit as “political tourism”.
In a post on X, the party said Bengal “welcomes tourists with open arms” and advised Shah to use the opportunity to sample local cuisine.
“Stay for as long as you like… do not miss out on some of our finest delicacies,” the TMC said, listing dishes such as muri ghonto, ilish bhapa and kosha mangsho.
The remarks came hours after Shah said he would remain in the state for a fortnight during the election campaign, underscoring the importance the BJP leadership is placing on West Bengal.
“I will remain in West Bengal for 15 days during the election… Today, I have come for the nomination of our candidates, especially Suvendu Adhikari,” Shah said while addressing supporters in Kolkata.
The Union minister was in the city to accompany Suvendu Adhikari during his nomination filing from Bhabanipur.
Shah said defeating Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in her constituency would be the “shortcut” to bringing “paribartan” (change) in the state.
Political sparring escalates
The TMC’s response triggered exchanges between leaders of both parties on social media, with TMC members sharing images of Bengali dishes while BJP leaders criticised the remarks.
The BJP accused the ruling party of trivialising serious political issues, while maintaining that it respects Bengal’s cultural traditions.
The exchange also highlighted the role of cultural symbolism in the ongoing campaign.
TMC leaders have increasingly projected Bengali food traditions as part of a broader regional identity, often in response to what they allege are attempts to impose a homogenised cultural narrative.
The BJP has rejected such claims, stating that it has no objection to local customs and traditions.
Polling for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on 23 April and 29 April, with counting scheduled for 4 May.
Campaigning has intensified in the state, with both the BJP and TMC stepping up their outreach efforts ahead of the polls.