West Bengal polls: TMC reels in voters with ‘Mache Bhate Bangali’, leaves BJP high & dry

West Bengal’s upcoming assembly polls see the common phrase ‘Mache Bhate Bangali’ (Bengali by fish and rice) become a potent political symbol. The TMC is leveraging this cultural identity against the BJP, which it accuses of imposing North Indian vegetarian culture. Fish, deeply ingrained in Bengali life, now represents pride and a defense against perceived cultural invasion.