Mamata Banerjee Alleges PM Modi's Jhalmuri Stop Was Staged Campaign Gimmick

NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent "jhalmuri" break during a campaign visit, alleging that the episode was staged. Addressing a poll rally at Bowbazar, Mamata claimed that arrangements at the roadside stall in Jhargram had been pre-planned, including security checks and installation of cameras. "They had fitted TV cameras and CCTV cameras earlier with the security. They had prepared jhal muri from home for security concerns and gave Rs 10 to the shopkeeper. In fact, I don't carry any notes," she said. Using the 'jhalmuri' reference to intensify her attack, Banerjee added, "We are habitual of spicy jhalmuri, but have you ever tried fish and chicken curry? I eat your dhokla, I eat dosa, I eat litti, I eat thekua, I eat sattu. I eat vermicelli during Eid, and I eat halwa. Don't teach me religion." "They said they will eat jhal muri if they win, but I say I will give you bhelpuri from Delhi. First, they showed a 'chai-wala', and now they are showing jhalmuri to win the election," Mamata said. Mamata also questioned the BJP's confidence ahead of the next phase of polling, asking, "Have they fixed the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)? Otherwise, how can they be so confident about the election?" Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had used the same jhalmuri reference to target the Trinamool Congress at a rally in Krishnanagar. "You must wave the flag of the BJP-NDA's victory with full strength. On May 4, the celebration of the BJP's victory will also take place in Bengal, sweets will also be distributed, and jhal muri will also be handed out. Jhalmuri has also given a thunderous shock to some people. I ate the jhal muri, but the jhal (spice) hit TMC," he said. Polling for the first phase concluded on April 23, with the second phase schedule for April 29. Bengal recorded significantly higher voter turnout of 91.83%, according to the Election Commission. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.