Political Symbolism of Fish in West Bengal Elections

In the current electoral landscape of West Bengal, fish has emerged as a potent political symbol, representing not just culinary preferences but also cultural identity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the state government for its failure to ensure self-sufficiency in fish production, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has countered these claims, defending her administration's record. The discourse around fish highlights deeper issues of pride, development, and political narratives in the state. As the elections approach, the significance of fish in this political arena continues to grow, making it a topic of keen interest for voters and analysts alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 16:33 IST

Fish as a Political Symbol in West Bengal

In the political landscape of West Bengal, fish has transcended its traditional role as a mere dish and emerged as a significant political symbol. This unexpected yet impactful representation of fish reflects not only the culinary preferences of Bengalis but also their identity, culture, and traditions. This election season, fish has leaped beyond the confines of the kitchen to become a focal point in political discourse. From the massive catla fish showcased during rallies to hilsa, pabda, and shrimp, these aquatic creatures are making waves on political platforms.

During a rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly criticized the Mamata Banerjee government, claiming that Bengal relies on other states for its fish needs and that the state government has failed to provide sufficient fish to its citizens. This statement is perceived as a strategic move aimed at highlighting the lack of self-sufficiency in fish production, linking it to the pride and development of Bengal while also countering the Trinamool Congress's portrayal of the BJP as a 'vegetarian imposing' party.

PM Modi's Remarks on Fish Production

At a public meeting in Haldia, Prime Minister Modi accused the TMC government of not meeting the high demand for fish production in the state. He pointed out that Bengal imports fish from other states and criticized the TMC for not taking significant steps to boost fish supply and achieve self-reliance in fish production over the past 15 years. Modi assured that if the BJP comes to power in the state, it will work towards making Bengal self-sufficient in fisheries and seafood.

In response, Mamata Banerjee defended her government, stating that the central government exports meat from Bengal and that fish is readily available in local markets. She emphasized that people in Bengal have the freedom to choose their food preferences without interference.

Mamata Banerjee's Counterattack

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee countered Prime Minister Modi's claims about the state's fish production, accusing him of misrepresenting facts. Speaking at a rally in North 24 Parganas, she highlighted that while Modi claims fish production is lacking in Bengal, it is actually thriving in Bihar, where people are not allowed to consume fish. Banerjee pointed out that Bengal used to import fish from Andhra Pradesh, but that has ceased, urging Modi to keep track of these developments. She criticized the BJP for restricting access to fish, eggs, and meat in their governed states.

Fish Import Statistics in Bengal

Despite its local production, Bengal is also a net importer of fish. According to a written response in the Rajya Sabha, the state imports significant quantities of fish from African countries like Mauritania and Uganda to meet local demand. Data indicates that in the 2025-2026 period, Bengal imported frozen tilapia, shrimp, hilsa, and catfish worth $5.33 million from Mauritania. From Uganda, the state primarily imports shrimp, totaling $0.11 million in value for the same period. Interestingly, while hilsa fish, known as the 'queen of fish' for its exquisite taste, is often associated with Bangladesh, it has been historically sourced from the Padma River in Bangladesh and local rivers in Bengal. Following a ban on hilsa exports by the Bangladeshi government in 2012, the country has continued to send a few thousand metric tons of fish to India as a goodwill gesture. Recently, Bengal received a record amount of hilsa from Gujarat, Modi's home state, amid declining catches in local rivers.