NEW DELHI, India — Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday accused BJP workers of intimidating fish vendors in Chittaranjan Park, a Bengali hub in Delhi. Moitra claimed the BJP forced the closure of fish and meat shops near a local temple, sharing a video on social media that purportedly captured the incidents.
In her post on X, formerly known as Twitter, she remarked, “Terrorising Hindu fishmongers into shutting legal shops next to a temple they built — BJP goons caught on video but not yet arrested. Hello @DelhiPolice- Or are we all supposed to eat dhoklas and chant Jai Shri Ram?” Moitra emphasized the cultural importance of fish consumption for Bengalis, stating, “Bengalis are a proud fish-eating people.”
Moitra further explained that the Kali temple, adjacent to the shops, was established by the local Bengali community, which included many business owners. She stated, “The temple there was built by the community. The BJP’s goons are threatening shopkeepers and telling them they cannot have shops here. Is the BJP going to tell us what we are going to eat and where we have legal shops?”
The BJP responded to Moitra’s allegations, with its IT cell chief Amit Malviya dismissing the claims as “fake and fabricated.” He cited a report from journalist Shivam Pratap Singh, who claimed that vendors in the fish market denied any intimidation. Malviya wrote, “This video appears to have been shot with the intent to promote ill will among communities and perhaps distract from the ‘versatile international lady’ controversy that the TMC parliamentary party currently finds itself embroiled in.”
Delhi BJP President Virender Sachdeva condemned Moitra’s remarks, alleging that she was trying to incite communal tensions. He stated, “Everyone should respect the sanctity of temples. Fish market traders have always respected temples. This video seems tailored by people with vested political interests to disturb community harmony in CR Park.”
Delhi Police confirmed they had not received any formal complaints regarding the incident but are investigating the matter. In a statement, they mentioned that they are looking into the situation to gather more details.
The Chittaranjan Park fish market is known for its cultural significance among the Bengali community in the area. The current situation has drawn attention to the ongoing tensions between political parties regarding community dynamics and religious sentiments in Delhi.
This clash exemplifies the increasing polarization in political discourse, particularly surrounding food practices and cultural identities. As this story develops, many are watching closely to see how it will impact local businesses and community relations in CR Park.
