West Bengal Government to Provide Fish and Rice for ₹5, 400 Canteens to Open

New Delhi: Fish and rice, popularly known as maach-bhaat, which became a major political issue during the West Bengal Assembly elections, has returned to the centre of political discussion. The Suvendu-led government has announced a new welfare initiative under which people will be able to get fish and rice meals for just ₹5.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the government will open around 400 canteens across the state to implement the subsidised food scheme. These canteens will serve maach-bhaat at an affordable price, aiming to provide relief to economically weaker sections and ensure access to affordable meals.

The announcement also carries political significance. During the Assembly election campaign, Mamata Banerjee had claimed that if the BJP formed the government in West Bengal, traditional Bengali food habits, including fish and rice, could be affected. BJP leaders had dismissed the allegation at the time.

The newly announced ₹5 fish-and-rice initiative is being viewed as both a welfare measure and a symbolic move to reaffirm Bengal’s cultural identity around food.

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