‘BJP Will Ban Fish, Meat In Bengal’: CM Banerjee Slams Bihar’s Open Meat Sale Ban, Calls ‘Food Politics'

• Bihar bans open sale of meat; violators to face heavy fines
• • Mamata Banerjee slams move, alleges BJP pushing "food control politics"
• • Bengal CM also raises fresh concerns over voter list and poll process

The Bihar government has introduced new guidelines banning the sale of meat in open public spaces, drawing sharp political reactions across states. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha said strict action and hefty fines will be imposed on those violating the order.

The Urban Development and Housing Department issued formal directions on Tuesday, making compliance mandatory for urban areas across Bihar.

Bihar's New Meat Sale Guidelines

Following Uttar Pradesh's pattern, the Nitish Kumar-led government has decided to regulate how meat is sold in public markets. Officials say the move is aimed at maintaining hygiene and civic order in cities, but the decision has quickly taken on a political tone.

Authorities have warned that any shop found selling meat openly in violation of the guidelines will face penalties. Local bodies have been asked to monitor implementation and ensure the rules are followed across municipal areas.

Mamata Banerjee's Strong Reaction

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted sharply, accusing the BJP of trying to dictate people's food habits. Speaking from Nabanna during a press conference, she claimed such policies reflect an attempt to impose a uniform food culture.

Banerjee said Bengal's food traditions, especially fish and rice, cannot be dictated by political forces. She warned that similar restrictions could be attempted in Bengal if the BJP gains power.

Mamata Banerjee said:

"Will fish and meat not be sold in markets anymore? If the BJP, which is fighting so much for this, comes to Bengal, they will stop fish and meat here too. Will people then buy fish and meat only from shopping malls? Only a few who have money can go to malls. What will ordinary people do? Farmers are already on the streets. I strongly condemn this kind of politics."

She added that food habits differ across regions and no one should impose dietary choices on others. According to her, food preference is a personal right and should not become a political issue.

Allegations Over 'Food Politics'

The Bengal Chief Minister reiterated her long-standing charge that the BJP is trying to interfere in people's choices of food and clothing. She argued that vegetarian dietary practices of some regions cannot be imposed on states with different culinary traditions.

Banerjee said Bengalis consume both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food and such diversity should be respected. She described the debate as unnecessary politics over people's daily lives.

Fresh Claims On Voter List And Poll Process

At the same press briefing, Banerjee also raised serious concerns about the electoral process in West Bengal. She accused the Election Commission of functioning in a "Tughlaqi manner" and alleged irregularities in voter list revisions.

The Chief Minister claimed that names of legitimate voters were being removed and questioned why document rules differ between states. She further alleged that lakhs of names had been deleted using technology and described the situation as a "threat culture."

Banerjee also criticised frequent messages sent by authorities regarding voter verification, saying multiple instructions were creating confusion among citizens ahead of elections.