‘Jhalmuri has gained recognition across India,’ says shopkeeper who served PM Modi snack during Bengal campaign

A small roadside snack from Bengal has suddenly found space in national political conversations after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was served ‘jhalmuri’ during his election campaign in the state last month.

Vikram Shaw, the owner of the shop, said the visit changed things for him and for the snack itself. Speaking to IANS, he said, “Not only has my shop become famous, but jhalmuri has gained recognition across India.” Shaw said the attention started after PM Modi tasted the snack during the campaign trail.

Advertisement

Also Read: In Pictures: Here’s how people are celebrating BJP’s West Bengal victory with jhalmuri moments everywhere

The word ‘jhalmuri’ comes from the Bengali word “jhal”, which means spicy or hot. It is usually made with puffed rice and mixed with spices and other ingredients, commonly sold by street vendors across Bengal.

Political twist around a simple street snack

During the campaign period, the snack was also picked up in political conversations. The word ‘jhal’ slowly became a metaphor used in speeches and remarks.

PM Modi himself later added a political comment during a rally. He said, “I ate jhalmuri, but TMC felt the jhal (spice),” referring to criticism made by Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee.

Celebrations spread across states with food and music

As early trends became visible, celebrations began in different parts of West Bengal. Party workers were seen distributing jhalmuri and ‘kamala bhog’ while also dancing to Bengali songs in public spaces.

#WATCH | Delhi CM Rekha Gupta and her cabinet ministers relish rasgulla and ‘jhalmuri’ at the Delhi Secretariat, as they celebrate BJP-NDA’s performance in Assembly elections in 4 states and 1 UT.

(Video Source: Delhi CMO) pic.twitter.com/q39pcbP3eX

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026

The snack that once came from a small shop was now part of election celebrations.

In Delhi too, the mood of celebration was visible. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her cabinet colleagues marked the occasion at the Delhi Secretariat by sharing jhalmuri and rasgulla.

In a message posted on X, Gupta said, “Under the leadership of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, every state in the country is turning saffron. With Assam’s hat-trick victory, the BJP government has also come to power in Bengal. Heartiest congratulations on the resounding victory! ‘Celebrating the win, with ‘jhalmuri’ and ‘rasgulla’.”