PM Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on Mamata Banerjee over what he described as “misguided” fish farming policies, intensifying the political battle ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. Addressing a public rally in Purba Medinipur, Modi questioned why a state with one of the highest fish consumption rates in India continues to depend on imports from other states to meet its demand.

The Prime Minister pointed out that despite Bengal’s cultural and economic connection to fisheries, the state has failed to achieve self-reliance in fish production. He highlighted that India’s overall fish production and seafood exports have significantly increased over the past decade, yet Bengal has not kept pace. According to PM Modi, this gap reflects policy failures under the current State Government, which has been in power for over a decade. He argued that fisheries represent a major economic opportunity that remains underutilised in the state.

Targeting the ruling All India Trinamool Congress, PM Modi said the government has not been able to deliver even “basic” needs like sufficient fish production within the state. He claimed that continued dependence on imports is a “glaring example” of governance shortcomings and used the issue to question the development narrative of the state leadership. His remarks were part of a broader campaign speech in which he urged voters to bring political change in the upcoming elections.

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In response, Mamata defended her government’s record, pushing back against the criticism and accusing PM Modi of misrepresenting facts for political gain. She maintained that her administration has taken multiple initiatives to boost fisheries, support local fishermen, and strengthen rural livelihoods. The exchange reflects a larger pattern of escalating rhetoric between the two leaders as election campaigning gathers momentum.

Beyond fisheries, PM Modi also announced six guarantees for the people of Bengal if his party comes to power, while criticising the current government for what he termed a “development debacle". The political clash over fish farming has now emerged as a symbolic issue in the campaign, representing broader debates around economic performance, self-reliance, and governance in West Bengal.

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