West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a campaign rally in Bowbazar on Friday, alleging that his recent stop to enjoy “jhalmuri” was staged. Banerjee claimed that the setup at the roadside stall in Jhargram was pre-planned, complete with security checks and cameras.
“They had fitted TV cameras and CCTV cameras earlier with the security. They prepared jhalmuri from home for security concerns and gave Rs 10 to the shopkeeper. In fact, I don’t carry any notes,” she stated.
Banerjee further used the “jhalmuri” reference to broaden her critique, asserting, “We are accustomed to spicy jhalmuri, but have you ever tried fish and chicken curry? I eat your dhokla, dosa, litti, thekua, sattu. I eat vermicelli during Eid, and I eat halwa. Don’t teach me religion.”
She continued, “They said they will eat jhalmuri if they win, but I say I will give you bhelpuri from Delhi. First, they showed a ‘chai-wala’, and now they are showing jhalmuri to win the election,” referencing earlier BJP campaign strategies.
Additionally, Banerjee questioned the BJP’s confidence ahead of the upcoming phase of polling, asking, “Have they fixed the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)? Otherwise, how can they be so confident about the election?”
Prime Minister Modi had previously referenced “jhalmuri” during a rally in Krishnanagar, urging supporters to rally behind the BJP-NDA. He claimed, “Jhalmuri has also given a thunderous shock to some people. I ate the jhalmuri, but the jhal (spice) hit TMC.”
The first phase of polling concluded on April 23, with the second phase scheduled for April 29. According to the Election Commission, Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 91.83%. The counting of votes is set to take place on May 4.
