Bengal’s election menu: Fish, faith, and faction
The Trinamool Congress and BJP are engaging in identity politics in West Bengal, with the Trinamool positioning itself as the protector of 'Bengaliness' and the BJP focusing on Hindu identity and alleged minority appeasement. The election outcome is also influenced by demands from smaller ethnic communities, such as the Kudmi and Adivasis.
West Bengal's election is marked by identity politics, with the Trinamool Congress and BJP vying for votes by appealing to different identities. The Trinamool warns that the BJP will prohibit eating fish and meat, staples of Bengali cuisine, if it comes to power. The BJP counters with a narrative that Hindus in the state are in danger due to immigration from Bangladesh and alleged minority appeasement by the Trinamool. The demands of smaller ethnic communities, such as the Kudmi and Adivasis, also play a crucial role in deciding the electoral outcome. The Santal tribe, which accounts for 60% of the Adivasi population, is demanding state recognition for their religion, Saridharam. The BJP's attempt to bring tribal religions under the Hindutva banner is hurting tribal sentiments. The election outcome in the 40 Jangalmahal seats will be influenced by the demands of these communities.
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