Indian Politicians are Campaigning While Holding Fish: What Is Going On?
– Cultural Significance of Fish in West Bengal
– In Kolkata, on a humid morning, Koustav Bagchi, a lawyer-turned-politician and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, walks door-to-door wearing traditional white and red attire with a fish in hand. Drums resonate in the background as supporters chant his name. Bagchi leverages this symbolic gesture, conveying a simple yet powerful message: “I am one of you.”
– Nearby, another candidate from the BJP, Rakesh Singh, adopts a similar approach, lifting a fish high as he engages with early-morning crowds, running against the city’s mayor, Firhad Hakim.
– Fish as a Political Symbol
– In West Bengal, fish transcends the culinary realm—it intertwines with cultural identity and daily life, becoming a poignant political symbol. Candidates brandishing fish aim to quell anxieties stirred by political conflicts surrounding food choices.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP is often linked to a more assertive vegetarianism, with restrictions in BJP-led states on meat and cow protection initiatives contributing to this perception, despite India’s non-vegetarian majority.
– Fish: A Symbol of Resistance
– In the face of such narratives, candidates are recontextualizing fish as proof of cultural loyalty against perceived encroachments. Ruling Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, eyeing a fourth term, has argued that the BJP threatens Bengal’s way of life, emphasizing the importance of fish and rice.
– Banerjee has asserted, “The BJP will not allow you to eat fish…what will they eat then?”—fortifying her position amid the rising political stakes regarding food.
– Countering the Narrative
– The BJP, in response, vehemently disputes these claims. Smriti Irani, a prominent BJP leader, labeled it a “lie,” insisting that Bengal’s culture of consuming fish and rice is here to stay. Likewise, Swapan Dasgupta counters that such accusations distract from real issues like government corruption.
– Fish and Governance
– Modi himself has spotlighted fish in his campaign rhetoric, criticizing Banerjee’s government for failing to ensure local fish availability, stating, “Even after 15 years in power…fish still needs to be sourced from outside the state.” Banerjee rebutted by asserting that 80% of Bengal’s fish needs are met locally.
– Fish Consumption in West Bengal
– India is the world’s third-largest fish producer, yet per capita consumption remains low. West Bengal stands out, with 65.7% of its population consuming fish weekly—this rate is significantly higher compared to the national average, where 70% of the population receives fish periodically.
– Broader Cultural Implications
– Fish represents more than nutrition; it signifies geography, history, and class distinctions. Even sports fandoms reflect this connection to food, as rival football clubs are associated with different fish preferences, weaving deeper historical narratives into the fabric of Bengali culture.
– Political Theatre Around Fish
– The strategic use of fish in political campaigns reflects a rich tapestry of cultural significance, making it an effective tool for mobilization. Historian Jayanta Sengupta observes that food plays a central role in identity politics in Bengal, where fish serves as a powerful symbol.
– Recently, BJP’s state President Samik Bhattacharya jokingly invited journalists for fried fish on results day, hinting at an anticipated victory and playfully underscoring the political stakes surrounding fish in this election.
– Conclusion: The Role of Fish in Politics
– As the election unfolds, fish has become more than a dietary staple; it has framed the narrative, revealing the intricate relationship between culture and politics in campaigning. While it may not solely dictate the election’s outcome, fish undoubtedly highlights how essential cultural elements shape political discourse in West Bengal.