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Kolkata: ‘Mach-Bhat’ has once again become the center of discussion in the politics of West Bengal. The issue of fish and food had become very heated during the assembly elections, whereas now the Suvendu Adhikari government has made a big announcement for the people of the state. The government has decided that now Machh Bhaat will be made available in Bengal for just Rs 5.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that 400 dedicated canteens will be started across the state, where people will be given food at subsidized rates. This decision is being considered very important from both political and cultural point of view, because the identity of Bengal has been linked to the saying ‘Mache-Bhat Bengali’ for a long time.

For how much rupees will you get fish and rice?

During a meeting held in Kalyani, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that the state government will implement the scheme to provide food at affordable rates to poor and needy people in a new form. Under this, Machh-Bhaat will be given in 400 canteens of the state for only Rs 5. The government says that this facility is being started especially keeping in mind the daily wage laborers, auto-rickshaw drivers and people from economically weaker sections.

Change in the plan of Mamta government

It is being told that work on this scheme was started only after the formation of BJP government. Earlier, during the Mamata Banerjee government, egg and rice were made available in government canteens for Rs 5. Now the new government has decided to make changes in the same scheme and include fish. The state government plans to provide nutritious food to the people at low cost through these canteens.

‘Mach-Bhat’ is associated with the culture of Bengal

In Bengal, fish is not just considered food but also a part of cultural identity. The Bengali proverb ‘Mache-Bhaat’ reflects the food culture of the state. In such a situation, this decision of the government is much discussed among the common people.

Fish became a big issue during the elections

During the assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee had alleged in several rallies that if BJP came to power, there could be a ban on eating meat, fish and eggs. He had said that BJP wants to impose its eating habits on others. However, at that time BJP leaders had rejected these allegations and assured that no such decision would be taken.

Ravi Kishan’s statement also went viral

During the election campaign, the statement of BJP MP Ravi Kishan was also much discussed. He had said that the people of Bengal will eat four times the fish after May 4. He had also said that wherever there is NDA government, fish will be brought from there and put in the ponds and wells of Bengal.