Kolkata, April 15 -- 'Poila Boishakh' was celebrated across Bengal amid high-pitched campaigning, as the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJP traded sharp allegations against each other.

PM Modi, in a post on social media, extended his greetings on the occasion of the Bengali New Year. Although in post, he avoided making politically loaded statements, in the open letter, he launched a scathing attack on the TMC and the Mamata Banerjee-led regime.

"For the past 15 years, the people of West Bengal have been victims of misrule, chaos, and corruption. All these issues have severely affected the fundamental rights, dignity, and culture of the common man," Modi said in the letter.

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, on the other hand, urged unity against divisive forces and appealed to the people of Bengal to give a befitting reply democratically to the BJP that has been unleashing torture on the people. Banerjee, through a video message, extended 'Poila Boishakh' greetings and urged voters to resist external threats to democratic rights. She emphasised Bengal's cultural heritage and communal harmony.

Meanwhile, candidates across the political lines, who are contesting the polls, carried out their election campaign.

TMC leader Aroop Biswas, who is contesting from Tollygunge, led a vibrant procession from the Garia Bramhapur area in South Kolkata, centred on the theme of 'Maach-Bhaat-e-Bangali' (Bengalis swear by fish and rice), where he alleged that the BJP would impose curbs on fish and meat consumption if it comes to power. The rally featured colourful tiger and owl masks, reminiscent of traditional festivities.

"In BJP-ruled states, fish is being thrown onto the streets, and sellers are being harassed. No power can snatch 'Maach-Bhaat' from the plate of Bengalis. We have joined this protest to protect our heritage," Biswas asserted.

In the Bhowanipore Constituency, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who is pitted against Mamata Banerjee, urged voters to give the BJP a chance to transform the state while campaigning. BJP candidate from Barrackpore, Kaustav Bagchi, also campaigned holding a fish to counter the TMC narrative, saying: "Bangali with 'maach-bhaate aar shathe BJP' (Bengalis with fish and rice, and now also with BJP)."'Poila Boishakh' is one of the most significant festivals that is celebrated by the Bengali community. It is celebrated in other states, including Tripura, Jharkhand and Assam.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.