With the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections on the horizon, fish has emerged as a pivotal campaign symbol for both the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has positioned the election as a battle over local Bengali traditions versus what she describes as 'Delhi-led vegetarianism.' The TMC warns that a BJP victory could impose dietary restrictions, citing neighboring states like Bihar and Assam where such restrictions exist. In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has criticized the TMC for failing to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production, despite West Bengal's extensive coastline. The BJP aims to counter the TMC's narrative by engaging in local markets and promoting a 'Blue Revolution' to modernize fisheries. Economic realities complicate the discourse, as West Bengal, while a leading fish producer, faces a supply deficit and rising prices for popular fish like Hilsa. As the election nears, the focus on food identity suggests that dietary choices may play a crucial role in voter decisions, with the TMC leveraging its 'maach-bhaat' slogan to appeal to non-vegetarian voters. The outcome may hinge on whether the BJP can convince voters of its commitment to preserving their culinary heritage while addressing economic challenges.