West Bengal election 2026: Candidates scrub utensils, fry fritters to seek votes

In West Bengal's election season, candidates are engaging in unconventional campaign tactics, moving beyond traditional speeches and manifestos to connect with voters on a personal level. TMC candidate Nirmal Maji is stirring pots in homes, while BJP nominee Ramaprasad Giri shaved a voter's beard. Others have joined farmers in the fields or helped elderly women fetch water. This shift towards "retail politics" is driven by a desire to appear more relatable and authentic, with candidates engaging in everyday activities like cooking, washing utensils, and even praying at temples. The new approach has sparked memes and online commentary, highlighting the changing dynamics of West Bengal's political landscape.