Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding Jhalmuri. Photo: Collected.
A video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoyed some *Jhalmuri* following a rally in Jhargram, West Bengal, has gone viral. This viral video has now sparked a political controversy. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has termed the incident a “staged drama,” alleging that cameras had been pre-installed at the stall and that the *Jhalmuri* itself was prepared by the SPG. Fearing defeat in Bhabanipur, Mamata launches a door-to-door campaign.
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Mamata is targeting Modi’s “Jhalmuri” video.
Political tension has reached a fever pitch ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed multiple public rallies across various locations, including Jhargram. Following the rally in Jhargram, the Prime Minister stopped at a shop to enjoy some *Jhalmuri* and subsequently shared a video of the moment on social media. This video of Modi-ji went viral on social media, spreading like wildfire. However, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her displeasure at the Prime Minister’s conduct and subjected him to scathing criticism. She characterized the entire incident as nothing more than a theatrical stunt.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has termed the interaction between Prime Minister Modi and *Jhalmuri* vendor Vikram—during which the Prime Minister ate *jhalmuri*—as a completely staged drama. She asserted that a theatrical performance was orchestrated wherein a microphone had been pre-installed at the *jhalmuri* stall, and subsequently, the SPG was made to prepare the *jhalmuri*. Taking further digs at the Prime Minister, Mamata remarked that during election periods, he sometimes retreats into a cave, while at other times, he claims to be a tea seller.
Questioning the episode involving the 10-rupee *jhalmuri*, she argued that the snack had been prepared for him in advance. “If that were not the case, then why were cameras installed inside the shop? Ask him: if all of this is not a drama, then what exactly is it?”
Allegations of EVM Tampering
After criticizing the “Jhalmuri video,” Mamata Banerjee continued, saying, “Wherever they hold a rally, they bring people in by train.” Outside, crowds have gathered. They just participate in the politics of coercion and lack a real basis of support.” Mamata warned the public in advance of the polls, claiming that the Trinamool Congress would retake power in three weeks. As a result, she asked everyone to watch the EVMs closely. She claimed that people need to stay vigilant since the central forces have been entrusted with stealing the EVMs. The public was also urged to support the Chief Minister.
Door-to-door campaigns by Mamata in Bhabanipur
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in conversation with dignitaries at Ladies’ Park. Bhowanipore, Sunday. —Own photo.
Voting for the second phase is scheduled for April 29 in the Bhabanipur constituency. Fearing a defeat in Bhabanipur—much like in Nandigram—Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee embarked on an intensive public outreach campaign within her own assembly constituency on Monday evening.
Immediately after concluding a scheduled election rally on Shakespeare Sarani on Monday evening, Mamata headed straight to Ward No. 63, located within the Bhabanipur Assembly constituency. There, she campaigned across a total of five major residential complexes, including Ganga-Jamuna, Shyamkunja, Victoria, and Dimple Court. During this intensive outreach program, she personally interacted with the residents of each complex for over half an hour. The media was not permitted to enter the premises while the Chief Minister carried out this engagement. She conversed with the residents in an extremely informal and intimate manner.
She gave the electors in the Bhabanipur seat her report card as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). She described the several initiatives her government has implemented over the previous 15 years to promote the growth of Kolkata overall and the Bhabanipur assembly segment. The Chief Minister also asked the locals for their opinions on the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s municipal services. She asked them directly if they were getting regular access to basic public facilities like electricity, water, and sanitary services in an appropriate and reliable way. In addition, she provided an overview of the “larger plans” her government hopes to carry out for this region’s infrastructure development should it come back to power.