digital desk- The battle for West Bengal Assembly elections is now at its peak. As the voting dates are coming closer, the temperature of politics in the state is also increasing rapidly. What happened in Bhawanipur area of Kolkata on the evening of 26 April has sparked a new debate among election analysts. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee suddenly went to the vegetable market like a common citizen, which is being seen as a response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent ‘Jhalmuri break’.
‘Didi’ in the market: Bet of simplicity amidst politics
While returning from her election rally on Sunday evening, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s convoy suddenly stopped near a vegetable market in Bhawanipur. Both shopkeepers and buyers were stunned to find the 71-year-old Chief Minister in their white cotton saree and slippers. Mamata Banerjee not only took stock of the market, but also bought green vegetables and fresh fruits by bargaining like common people. In the pictures going viral on social media, CM Mamata can be seen putting vegetables in her basket and asking local vendors about their well-being. Trinamool Congress (TMC) shared these pictures and described them as a symbol of “people-driven and people-based leadership”. The party says that this visit shows its commitment to remain connected with the daily lives of the citizens of Bengal.
Modi vs Mamata: Battle of symbols
Political pundits believe that this visit of Mamata Banerjee is not a mere coincidence. Just a few days ago, pictures of PM Modi eating ‘Jhalmuri’ had become a topic of discussion. In Bengal, ‘Jhalmuri’ and ‘Vegetable Market’ are not just food, but a cultural identity. Mamata Banerjee has tried to convey the message by marching in Bhawanipur that she is a grassroots leader, while she has been calling BJP an ‘outsider’. This padyatra of CM in Bhawanipur is also important because here BJP has fielded his old ally and now his staunchest rival Suvendu Adhikari. During the padyatra, Mamata Banerjee enumerated the achievements of her government and said, “We have worked for every community, from ISKCON temple to Jagannath Dham and from St.
PM Modi’s sharp retort: “There will be reckoning after May 4”
On the other hand, in Bongaon, North 24 Parganas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his sharpest attack on the TMC government so far. Terming the law and order situation of the state as ‘Jungle Raj’, he said that the women of Bengal are the most unsafe. The PM warned in a stern tone, saying, “After May 4, the BJP government will find every single goon and criminal and hold them accountable.”
