'Bengal will have its fish & meat': State BJP chief Samik Bhattacharya refutes CM Mamata's claim
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 19, 2026
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West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya has firmly rejected claims made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding alleged restrictions on fish and meat sales in neighboring Bihar. The controversy arose after TMC leaders criticized a recent Bihar government directive regulating open meat and fish sales, which they accused of being BJP-backed and targeting non-vegetarian habits. However, Bhattacharya clarified that the BJP only opposes the open sale of beef, not other meats or fish, and emphasized that people in Bengal can consume their preferred foods without any restrictions.
The debate gained traction when Banerjee condemned the Bihar deputy chief minister's reported comments about restricting open sales of fish and meat, arguing it would severely impact small traders who rely on street vending for their livelihoods. She questioned the practicality of such a ban, pointing out that only a few with economic means could sell in shopping malls, leaving most vendors without an alternative source of income.
Bhattacharya dismissed these allegations as political sensationalism, stating that the BJP's stance is limited to curbing open beef sales and not imposing blanket restrictions. He highlighted that any such measure would face strong public resistance, particularly in West Bengal where fish and meat are integral parts of the diet and culture. The controversy underscores the delicate balance between cultural sensitivities and economic livelihoods in India's diverse regions.
This issue reflects broader debates in Indian politics over religion, culture, and economic policies. It also highlights the tension between urbanization and traditional practices, as well as the potential impact of such regulations on small businesses and marginalized communities. The row continues to heat up, with both sides leveraging it for political mileage ahead of key elections.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026