West Bengal polls: Why politicians are holding fish during campaigns

Fish as a political symbol in Bengal's elections

In the ongoing West Bengal election campaign, a peculiar sight has become common. Politicians from across party lines are walking the streets with fish in hand. The image is deliberate, not accidental. It is a calculated move to connect with the state's voters.

Fish is central to Bengali cuisine and culture. The state's rivers, ponds and coastal areas support a massive fishing industry. By holding fish, politicians signal that they understand local life and livelihoods.

Why fish matters in Bengal politics

The ruling Trinamool Congress has been quick to embrace this symbol. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been photographed with fish baskets. Her party workers hand out fish packets during rallies. The message is simple: we are one of you.

The opposition BJP is not far behind. Its candidates have also started holding fish at public meetings. For a party often seen as outsider in Bengal, this is an attempt to shed its national image and appear local.

The CPI(M) and Congress, though weakened, have joined the trend. Every party wants a piece of the fish vote. The strategy cuts across ideological lines.

Economic and cultural undercurrents

West Bengal produces over 18 lakh tonnes of fish annually. The sector employs millions, from fishermen to vendors. Fish prices often become an election issue. When prices rise, the ruling party faces heat.

Culturally, fish is a staple. A meal without fish is incomplete for most Bengalis. This deep emotional connection makes the prop effective. It goes beyond politics into everyday life.

Political analysts say the fish campaign is about relatability. Voters see a leader with fish and think, this person understands my plate. It is a shortcut to trust.

Criticism and questions

Not everyone is impressed. Some accuse parties of using fish as a gimmick. They argue that real issues like unemployment, inflation and infrastructure are being ignored. Holding a fish does not solve problems, critics say.

Others note that the tactic is not new. Politicians have used local symbols for decades. But in a hyper-competitive election like Bengal's, every gesture is amplified. The media covers these moments heavily, giving parties free visibility.

Environmentalists also worry about waste. Thousands of fish are bought, used for photos, and often discarded. There is no word yet on whether parties have plans to donate leftover fish.

What happens next

As the election heats up, the fish campaign is unlikely to fade. Parties will continue to use it until polling day. Whether it translates into votes will be known when results are announced. For now, Bengal's politicians are betting big on a fish in the hand.