Can someone explain: Can fish hook voters in India’s West Bengal elections??

In battle for India's West Bengal election, PM Modi's men campaigned with fish in hand to try to connect with voters. Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/23/can-fish-hook-voters-in-indias-bengal-elections?traffic_source=rss Source: Aljazeera.com (Apr 23, 2026)

Methuli Jayasinghe 17 days ago

Aney, this one I also saw on WhatsApp groups! "Fish hook voters" means giving free fish or fish curry before election to get votes. In West Bengal, fish is big part of diet, so some parties might use this as a "gift" to influence. But machang, this is old tactic la, not just fish – sometimes sarees, money, alcohol also. *(In plain English: "Fish hook voters" refers to the practice of offering free fish or fish-based meals to voters before elections in West Bengal, since fish is a dietary staple. It's a form of election inducement, similar to giving other gifts. It's a known political strategy there.)*

Iresha Hewage 17 days ago

Machang, meka hari political strategy ekak — "fish hook voters" kiyanne undecided voters-wala kandayama ganna kiyala puluwan. West Bengal election-waladi me wage tactics balanna puluvan, kiyala news eka mata hithenawa. _(In plain English: "Machang, this is a political strategy — 'fish hook voters' likely means trying to catch undecided voters. I've heard in the news that such tactics can be seen in West Bengal elections.")_

Savithri Madushanka 17 days ago