In West Bengal's assembly elections, fish has become a potent symbol of Bengali identity, with the Trinamool Congress and BJP clashing over food habits and cultural representation.
Bengali cuisine is known for its delicate balance of flavours, subtle use of spices, and a deep respect for fresh, seasonal ingredients.
'If the BJP becomes our political identity, our political face, if we are represented by the BJP, then what happens to our identity as Bengalis?'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims regarding the state's fish production, accusing him of misrepresenting facts and alleging restrictions on non-vegetarian food consumption in BJP-ruled states.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of harassing Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states and denying Bengal its rightful dues.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of harassing Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states and denying Bengal its rightful dues. He also criticised the BJP for allegedly deleting names from electoral rolls and disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refuted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about the state's fish production, accusing him of misrepresenting facts and alleging restrictions on non-vegetarian food consumption in BJP-ruled states.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the BJP's commitment to implementing the Uniform Civil Code in West Bengal within six months of assuming power, while also promising a Bengali chief minister.
The move has sparked a political row, with the opposition accusing the BJP of promoting a vegetarian agenda.
'It's very easy for people to say, 'She got work because of her connections. What they don't see is the number of rejections I went through. Even if someone helps you get your first opportunity, you can't sustain a career unless you know your craft. I wanted people to hire me because they believed in my work, not because I was related to someone.'
Varanasi Municipal Corporation's decision to relocate all meat, fish, and poultry shops outside city limits before the holy month of Sawan has ignited a debate among residents, traders, and political leaders, with supporters citing religious sentiments and critics raising concerns about convenience and livelihoods.
This tadka for pointed gourd takes it to another level taste-wise.
When the sun refuses to get kinder, heavy, stomach-weighing meals are the first thing to lose their appeal. Nothing is more charming in this garmi than bowls of chilled juicy produce. Greens with bright dressings instantly chase away the summer somnolence.
'My preparation for Shorshe Pomfret is a version of a traditional Bengali-style fish in mustard gravy. I used a medium-large pomfret and made a thin gravy out of it. It is best relished with hot steamed rice.'
'In West Bengal, the BJP's ideology of Hindutva will be customised to cater to the culture and the cultural imperatives of Bengalis.'
The TMC and BJP are clashing over Bengal's food culture, with allegations of potential dietary restrictions adding spice to the West Bengal election campaign.
Utilising banana leaves in cooking is a technique used for centuries across India and other parts of the world too
Fish sellers of Chittranjan Park found themselves in a state of disbelief last week when the anti-meat overdrive of the Hindu right hit the local markets with a warning to shut shops because they were close to a temple.
Recipes that we learned from our Mothers are almost sacred for us, especially when we no longer have them with us anymore. Here are 14 wonderful Mummy recipes Our Mummies often don't write their recipes down but every time our Ammas make a particular dish, it's more spectacular than the last time they made it! Without doubt, right? We were fortunate to get a few of our Ammis to jot down how she made a certain oh-so-yummy preparation
Each of these photographs tells a powerful story through the universal language of food!
'This is a major rupture in Tamil Nadu's political order.' 'For the Dravidian parties, the message is clear: The old DMK-AIADMK binary is no longer guaranteed a future.'
The BJP has released its election manifesto for West Bengal, promising a hardline stance on infiltration, financial assistance for women and unemployed youth, and the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees.
Veteran actor Paresh Rawal on Friday apologised for his statement linking gas cylinders, Bengalis and fish during a campaign speech in Gujarat, saying his reference was to illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the BJP's manifesto for West Bengal, promising a Uniform Civil Code, a Bengali chief minister, and improved governance.
The BJP will focus on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development agenda in the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections, rather than projecting a chief ministerial candidate, according to state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of using central agencies to undermine Mamata Banerjee in the West Bengal elections, alleging a lack of public support for the saffron party.
Asha Bhosle, the legendary playback singer, had a lifelong passion for cooking, which she considered a stress reliever and a way to connect with loved ones.
TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of misusing democratic institutions and stoking communal discord in Bengal, criticising their 'double engine' governance model.
The Delhi Police will investigate claims by TMC MP Mahua Moitra that right-wing individuals attempted to force the closure of fish shops in South Delhi's Chittaranjan Park. Moitra posted videos and messages alleging the incident, while Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva denied the claims and called for community harmony. The police are verifying the incident's authenticity and the market's licensing status.
The Kolkata Police has booked actor Paresh Rawal under different sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on a complaint filed by Communist Party of India-Marxist state secretary Md Salim, who alleged that he delivered 'hate speech' against the Bengali community during an election rally of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat.
'The pandemic has led to an immense disruption in the world's political, financial, military and geopolitical situation. The pandemic was a warning.'
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has announced a 60-day mass outreach program targeting Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe-majority assembly constituencies in West Bengal, accusing the BJP of depriving the state of funds and disrespecting marginalized communities.
TasteAtlas, the online global food guide, has just released its list of top stews. Many Indian dishes make it to this compilation.
In a delightful culinary crossover celebrating Poila Baisakh (Bengali New Year), Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) cooking show 'Knight Bite' featured South African cricketers Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje alongside Indian star Manish Pandey for a special fusion cooking session.
Try your hand at yummy dry fry Mangaluru clams. Or attempt this delicious Bengali preparation of prawns with taro leaves.
Lionel Messi's much-anticipated visit to India has received its final seal of approval with the Argentine superstar set to kick off his three-city tour in Kolkata on December 12.
Rajbaris are a link to Bengal's rich past, of grand mansions, classical fine dining, and allow guests to be pretend zamindars for those few hours or days that they stay.
Just 30 minutes and some basic ingredients are all you need to get this awesome basa capsicum dish, says reader Jayati Saha.
