Opinion | The 'Jhal Muri' Gambit: How PM Modi's Snack Break Aims To Reset 'Bengali Identity' Narrative

For those reading between the political lines, this wasn't just a snack break – it was a strategic strike on the "bohiragoto" (outsider) narrative by the ruling TMC

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief stop at a roadside stall to eat jhal muri after addressing a political rally in Jhargram quickly turned into one of the most widely shared moments from his West Bengal visit.

On a sweltering Sunday (April 19) in West Bengal’s western district of Jhargram, Prime Minister Modi did something that wasn’t on the official protocol list. After a high-octane political rally, he made an unscripted stop at a humble roadside stall.

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The image of him relishing a paper cone (thonga) of jhal muri has since gone viral but for those reading between the political lines, this wasn’t just a snack break – it was a strategic strike on the “bohiragoto" (outsider) narrative.

CRACKING THE IDENTITY CODE

For years, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) led by Mamata Banerjee has successfully framed the BJP as a party of the “Hindi heartland", disconnected from the soil of Bengal.

The 2021 slogan “Bangla nijer meyekei chay" (Bengal wants its own daughter) weaponised this sentiment, leading the TMC to a thumping victory. By standing at a nondescript street corner in Jhargram, Modi attempted to dismantle this wall.

While the rest of India identifies Bengalis by “maach-bhaat" (fish and rice), jhal muri is the true democratic equaliser of the eastern state. From the bustling platforms of Howrah station to the quiet mahallas of the districts, it is the quintessential Bengali companion.

By partaking in this ritual, he signalled that he isn’t a visitor from Delhi but a participant in the everyday life of a Bengali.

WHY ‘JHAL MURI’ MATTERS IN BENGAL

For centuries, puffed rice has been part of Bengal’s food culture. Traditionally prepared by heating rice grains in hot sand until they puff, muri was inexpensive, portable and easy to store making it a common snack across rural households and urban neighbourhoods.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Kolkata grew into a bustling colonial metropolis, vendors began transforming this humble staple into a quick street snack by mixing it with mustard oil, chopped onions, green chillies, peanuts and spices. That mixture evolved into what is today known as jhal muri, which literally means “spicy puffed rice".

Over time, the snack became deeply embedded in everyday life. From neighbourhood lanes to railway platforms and bus stands, stalls selling jhal muri are a familiar sight across the state. In many localities, two small shops are almost guaranteed: one selling paan and cigarettes, and the other selling jhal muri.

THE OPTICS OF A SIDE STREET SNACK

Against that backdrop, Modi’s roadside jhal muri stop appears to serve as a subtle cultural signal. Former journalist and, presently an associate professor at MIT ADT University, Sambit Pal observes: “By sharing one of Bengal’s most familiar street foods in an informal setting, the prime minister appeared to communicate cultural familiarity rather than distance."

“The 2021 campaign saw BJP leaders having pre-arranged lunches at the homes of tribal and marginalised families. However, those were often seen as ‘cosmetic’. The Jhal Muri session felt different," Pal said. “It was unscripted, spontaneous, and mirrored the ‘street politics’ that Mamata Banerjee is famous for. It portrayed Modi, coming down from the pedestal of a constitutional position, as a mass leader who can navigate the same lanes as the common man."

THE ‘ONION’ SUBTEXT: A COUNTERNARRATIVE

The viral clip of Modi’s conversation with the vendor held a deeper political punch. When asked if he eats onions, he replied: “Haan, pyaaz khaate hain. Dimaag nahin khaate bas (yes, I eat onions. I just don’t eat brains)."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

Pal interprets the comment as a subtle response to another political narrative often circulated by the TMC – that if the BJP comes to power, it may attempt to impose dietary or cultural restrictions.

“By mentioning that he eats onions despite being a vegetarian, Modi was signalling that cultural practices would not be dictated. In Bengal a lot of vegetarians don’t eat onion and garlic," he said. “At the same time, his remark about ‘not eating minds’ was a way of countering what the BJP claims as misleading narratives."

WHEN FOOD BECOMES POLITICAL SYMBOLISM

In Bengal, food frequently intersects with politics and identity. Language, literature, music and cuisine all carry strong emotional resonance in the state’s public life.

Few foods capture that everyday culture as vividly as jhal muri – a snack eaten by students, office workers, labourers and travellers alike. Seen through that lens, Modi’s brief stop at a roadside stall may have been more than a spontaneous snack break.

It was also a carefully timed cultural signal in a state where identity continues to shape political contestation.

Here’s how to make your own Jhargram-style ‘jhal muri’:

If Modi’s stopover left you craving a cone, here is how you can recreate the magic at home. The appeal of jhal muri lies in its simplicity and bold flavours.

Finely chopped onions

Boiled potatoes (optional)

Fresh coriander leaves

Salt and roasted spice mix

Place puffed rice in a large bowl or traditional tin container.

Add onions, chillies, peanuts and boiled potatoes.

Drizzle mustard oil – the defining flavour of Bengali jhal muri.

Sprinkle spices and salt.

Toss vigorously to mix evenly.

Add chanachur and coriander.

Serve immediately, traditionally in a paper cone.

© News18