As the battle for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections intensifies, political candidates are coming up with innovative ways to grab public attention. Sharadwat Mukherjee, the BJP candidate from the Salt Lake area, created a stir on Sunday morning when he was seen campaigning with a large, live ‘Katla’ fish in his hands. During his visit to the CK Block market, Mukherjee picked up the fish from a stall and interacted with locals, blending the quintessential Bengali love for fish with a high-decibel political message.

Symbolism Behind the Act: Speaking to reporters, Mukherjee stated, “Fish is an integral part of Bengali culture and every household in Salt Lake. Just like people look for fresh fish in the market, they are now looking for a fresh, corruption-free administration in Bengal.” He used the opportunity to highlight the local issues of drainage and water logging, promising that a BJP government would bring “freshness” to the state’s governance.

The Strategy of ‘Bengali Identity’: This unique move is being seen as part of the BJP’s broader strategy to connect with the urban Bengali middle class. By engaging in everyday local activities, the party aims to shed the “outsider” tag often labeled by the opposition. Mukherjee’s march through the market was accompanied by traditional conch shells and chants, creating a festive yet competitive atmosphere.

TMC’s Reaction: The Trinamool Congress dismissed the incident as a “theatrical stunt.” A local TMC leader remarked, “Holding a fish doesn’t bring votes; working for the people does.” Despite the criticism, the image of Sharadwat Mukherjee with the Katla fish has gone viral on social media, sparking a debate on whether such creative tactics will actually translate into votes in the upcoming polls.