Divya Delhi i/Krishnanagar:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit back at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) over criticism of his recent “jhalmuri” stop during campaigning in West Bengal, saying the snack had delivered a “thunderous jolt” to his opponents.
Addressing a rally in Krishnanagar, Modi said the state would celebrate a BJP-led NDA victory with sweets and jhalmuri. “I ate jhalmuri, but it seems the TMC is feeling the heat of the chillies,” he remarked, turning the opposition’s criticism into a political punchline.The controversy began after Modi made an unscheduled halt at a roadside stall in Jhargram, where he interacted briefly with a vendor while the snack was prepared. The moment, widely circulated on social media, drew sharp reactions from the TMC.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dismissed the episode as “drama,” alleging it was staged for publicity. She questioned the presence of cameras and claimed the Prime Minister carrying a small currency note appeared orchestrated.The TMC also accused Modi of causing disruption to other political leaders’ schedules. In a post on X, the party alleged that Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was unable to complete his campaign visit due to restrictions linked to the Prime Minister’s extended stay.The BJP, however, maintained that the interaction reflected Modi’s connection with ordinary citizens.
