The Aryavarth Express
Agency (West Bengal): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s recent offer to “cook food” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi has elicited varied reactions from different political parties. The BJP termed her offer as part of a “political agenda,” while the CPI(M) suggested it indicated an “understanding” between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the saffron party.
Banerjee’s remark came as a jibe at Prime Minister Modi for his recent criticism of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for eating fish during a period when some Hindus abstain from non-vegetarian food. At an election rally, Banerjee said she would be happy to cook for Modi but was unsure if he would eat her food.
“I have been cooking since my childhood days. People have praised my cooking. But will Modi ji accept my food? Will he trust me? I will cook whatever he loves,” Banerjee said. She criticized the BJP for allegedly interfering with people’s food habits, emphasizing India’s diversity and inclusivity.
The BJP responded sharply, with former state president Tathagata Roy mocking Banerjee’s offer on X: “Mamata Banerjee wants to feed Modi ji with fish and rice cooked by her. Good proposal. But before that, why doesn’t she first offer pork chop to her lieutenant Firhad Hakim?”
BJP leader Sankudeb Panda accused Banerjee of trying to trap Modi, knowing he is a strict vegetarian. “She knows the PM will never eat fish or any non-veg item. If she believes everyone should eat what they love, why is she twisting Modiji’s comments about dietary habits?” Panda asked, accusing her of insulting devout Hindus.
CPI(M) leader Bikash Bhattacharya commented on the apparent contradiction in Banerjee’s public and private postures. “Being Dada-Bon (brother and sister), Mamata didi can certainly offer to cook meals for the prime minister, do not know if it is to placate him,” he said, referring to the alleged tacit understanding between the BJP and TMC.
Bhattacharya suggested that both Banerjee and Modi are responsible for the current state of the country, accusing them of mixing politics with religion.
The TMC defended Banerjee’s remarks, emphasizing India’s religious and cultural diversity. “She spoke rightly about unity in diversity. As Modi has the right to eat what he likes, every other Indian too has the same right,” TMC MP Dola Sen stated, criticizing the BJP for trying to impose their narrative on people’s diets and customs.