Kolkata | April 17, 2026
The political climate in West Bengal reached a boiling point on Thursday as Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma descended upon Cooch Behar for a high-octane campaign. Addressing a massive gathering, the firebrand BJP leader directly confronted the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding their allegations that the BJP-led government intends to ban fish and meat sales in the state.
Debunking the Meat-Ban Allegations: A Religious Perspective
In the lead-up to the 2026 Assembly Elections, the TMC has been vocal about the purported restrictions on non-vegetarian food in BJP-ruled states. Dismissing these claims as baseless propaganda, Sarma asserted that Eastern Indian culture and religious traditions, including the worship of Goddess Kali and Kamakhya, involve meat consumption and ritual sacrifices.
“There is no ban on eating fish or meat. In fact, Didi is not worried about fish; she is terrified that beef sales might be prohibited in Bengal if the BJP comes to power,” Sarma remarked while addressing reporters. He emphasized that under the BJP government in Assam, no such restrictions exist on common dietary choices, yet he maintained a firm stance against cattle smuggling, alleging that West Bengal has become a hub for such illegal activities.
"Didi (Mamata Banerjee) is gripped by fear. She knows that a BJP government will bring accountability. The narrative about fish and meat is just a distraction from the real issues of security and law."
Infiltration and Border Security: The BJP’s "Electric Fence" Promise
Shifting the focus to national security, Himanta Biswa Sarma raised the pitch on the illegal infiltration crisis. He criticized the Mamata Banerjee government for allegedly failing to provide land for border fencing, which he claims has left the Indo-Bangladesh border porous and vulnerable.
The Assam CM proposed a unified security grid, stating that if a BJP government is formed in Bengal, a continuous electric-wired fence would be installed across the borders of Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal. This high-tech barrier is intended to completely stop infiltrators and smugglers, ensuring the safety of the Northeast and the rest of India. "Without a change in government, the security of our borders remains at risk," Sarma added during the rally in Falimari.
Campaigning for Rathindra Bose
The campaign meet was organized in support of Rathindra Bose, the BJP candidate for Cooch Behar South. Sarma’s visit is seen as a strategic move to consolidate the Hindu vote bank and address the concerns of the local population regarding cross-border crimes.
As the election fervor intensifies, the verbal duel over food habits and border security is expected to dominate the narrative, with both parties leaving no stone unturned to win the hearts of the electorate in North Bengal.
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