In the lead-up to the elections in West Bengal, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) are engaged in a fierce battle over cultural identity. The BJP is leveraging traditional Bengali symbols, such as fish and local dances, to resonate with voters. On Poila Boisakh, the Bengali New Year, BJP supporters showcased tableaux featuring Rabindra Sangeet and traditional instruments, while party leaders emphasized the importance of Bengali culture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the TMC for its failure to enhance fish production in the state, a staple in Bengali cuisine, and claimed that BJP-ruled states do not support fish sales. In contrast, TMC leaders, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, defended the state's cultural practices and accused the BJP of being 'outsiders' who do not understand Bengal's heritage. The TMC's rallying cry emphasizes unity and cultural pride, countering the BJP's narrative of cultural imposition. As both parties prepare for the elections, the cultural battle reflects deeper issues of identity and pride among the Bengali electorate.