West Bengal Polls | Fish, Identity, Votes: Bengal's Favourite Food Becomes A Key Symbol In Polls

West Bengal's election waters, fish has leapt from the dinner plate to the centre of the political net, with the Trinamool Congress trying to hook Bengali pride, and the BJP scrambling not to get caught on the wrong side of the 'mache bhate Bangali' phrase. From giant katla held aloft at roadshows to ilish, pabda and chingri finding pride of place in political speeches, fish has emerged as an unlikely but potent metaphor in West Bengal's assembly polls, turning food habits into a fierce contest over identity, culture and who represents the "real" Bengali. The old Bengali phrase 'mache bhate Bangali', which means a Bengali is defined by the consumption of fish and rice, has become this election's de facto slogan for the parties. NDTV's Sreyashi Dey brings you the details.