Veggies, not jhalmuri’: Mamata Banerjee’s light jab at PM Modi’s snack pause

Mamata Banerjee made an unscheduled stop at a vegetable market in Bhabanipur on Sunday evening.

While returning from a rally, drawing attention not just for the outing but also for its timing—coming days after Narendra Modi grabbed headlines for his much-talked-about ‘jhalmuri’ break.

The Chief Minister, known to occasionally visit local markets in her constituency, was seen picking up vegetables and fruits, opting for what she described as healthier choices. Her casual remark—“veggies, not jhalmuri”—quickly caught on, with many viewing it as a light, indirect dig amid the ongoing political sparring.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee led a foot march through Bhabanipur, her constituency, where the BJP has fielded Suvendu Adhikari—once her close aide and now Leader of the Opposition. The procession featured traditional ‘dhak’ drums and Purulia’s ‘chhau’ dance, moving through the neighbourhood to the tune of “Jotoi Koro Hamla Abar Jitbe Bangla.”

Greeted by chants of “Didi, Didi,” Banerjee interacted closely with residents, shaking hands, accepting garlands and even asking security personnel not to push people away as they tried to approach her.

Addressing the gathering, she emphasised communal harmony and development, listing initiatives undertaken by her government across communities. “We must all live together, and every citizen should get proper facilities,” she said, highlighting projects ranging from temples and educational institutions to healthcare infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Modi, campaigning in Hooghly and North 24 Parganas, intensified his attack on the ruling party, describing its governance as “Jungle Raj.” He accused the state government of failing to ensure women’s safety and vowed strict action against criminals if the BJP comes to power.

With both leaders stepping up their outreach on the ground, the political contest in West Bengal continues to sharpen, marked by sharp rhetoric as well as symbolic gestures that are quick to capture public attention.