TMC, BJP take jibes at each other with parody music videos ahead of West Bengal polls

It's raining political parodies in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections. Whether it's the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), the BJP or the usually sombre CPI(M) all are taking comic jibes at each other with parody music videos.

From contemporary viral Bengali songs from a web series to Italian folk songs of the late 19th Century, the current political parodies in Bengal have come up from many sources.

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The CPI(M) has recently released a cartoon music video made of a parody of a viral Bengali song from a web series. The song called ‘Tumpa Shona ’ which originally speaks of man’s newfound love after his wife eloped has been modified to that of a common man’s alleged realisation that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, referred to as ‘Modi and Didi’ in the song, have not kept their poll promises.

The video also shows a man asking his girlfriend called “Tumpa” whether she wants to attend the CPI(M)’s rally at the iconic Brigade Parade Ground in Central Kolkata on February 28.

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While both the TMC and the BJP said that the music video shows CPI(M)’s “political bankruptcy,” CPI(M) Central Committee member Sujan Chakraborty said that “cartoons and parodies are part of Bengal’s culture. There is nothing wrong with the video.” It was also shared on social media by CPI(M) State Secretary Surjyakanta Mishra.

The BJP based its parody music video called ‘Pishi Jao’ (Aunt Please leave) on a late 19th Century Italian protest folk song ‘Bella Ciao’ (Goodbye beautiful). BJP sarcastically calls West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as ‘pishi’ (aunt). The song recreates the famous "Bella ciao" song that regained popularity in the Netflix web series 'Money Heist'.

The music video tweeted by BJP’s IT Cell chief Amit Malviya targets Mamata Banerjee and her government over alleged rise in riots, false promises, lack of industry, jobs, crimes against women and violence in Bengal. The phrase “Pishi jao” has been used as a refrain in the song.

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“For those simply interested in releasing slogans, in true Bangla style, here is a “Slow Gaan ” (slow music), ” tweeted Malviya.

Not to be left behind, senior TMC leader and former Transport Minister Madan Mitra recently released a music video taking potshots at defectors from the party who joined the BJP. The song, sung by Mitra, takes a dig at the TMC turncoats comparing them with pumpkins, “ green from outside and saffron from inside.” The TMC’s symbol is predominantly green while saffron is part of BJP’s symbol. Mitra is seen in the video strolling in a garden, singing the song with a pumpkin in hand.