Jhalmuri, a flavorful puffed rice snack, is a beloved street food across various regions of India.
When the vendor asked if he wanted onions, PM Modi humorously replied, “Haan, pyaaz khaate hain. Dimag nahi khaate bass” (Yes, I eat onions, I just don’t eat brains).
Inquiring about the price of the Jhalmuri, the local vendor stated it was between ₹10 and 20. Despite the vendor’s initial reluctance to accept money, PM Modi insisted on paying ₹10 for the snack. This brief snack break occurred amidst a hectic campaign schedule that spanned Purulia, Jhargram, Medinipur, and Bishnupur.
The Prime Minister shared this experience on his X handle, adding the caption, “Jhalmuri Break in Jhargram!”
ঝাড়গ্রামে ঝালমুড়ি খাবার বিরতি! pic.twitter.com/t0TcDeONxt
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2026
He also shared a series of photos in another post, stating, “In between four rallies across West Bengal on a packed Sunday, had some delicious Jhalmuri in Jhargram.”
ব্যস্ত রবিবারে পশ্চিমবঙ্গ জুড়ে চারটি জনসভার ফাঁকে, ঝাড়গ্রামে সুস্বাদু ঝালমুড়ি খেলাম। pic.twitter.com/VqIrc0zrm
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2026
The viral video of PM Modi’s Jhalmuri break in Jhargram triggered a flurry of reactions on social media, with many praising his relatable demeanor and quick wit.
A user remarked, “Seeing the Jhalmuri break in Jhargram really made my heart happy!” Another user joked, “Modi-ji, you advise us to use UPI, yet you yourself are making cash payments…!!! That’s not fair, Modi-ji!!”
“Simple moments. Strong leadership. From global stages to Jhargram’s jhal muri, Modi ji stays connected to the people. And when leadership connects, change follows. Bengal is ready,” said a third user.
“Modi Ji has once again taken a step that no one could have even imagined,” commented another.
“Modi ji randomly chose a local shop to try the famous Jhalmuri. The shopkeeper was thrilled to see the Prime Minister enjoying his snack. Now, there’s a huge crowd at his shop following PM Modi’s visit,” another user added.
“PM Modi ji ate Jhalmuri in Jhargram today, giving this young shopkeeper from Bihar and the locals there a moment they will cherish for life,” a user expressed.
Users widely shared and applauded his response to the vendor, “Haan, pyaaz khaate hain. Dimag nahi khaate bass” (Yes, I eat onions, I just don’t eat brains). One user shared, “Jhalmuri shopkeeper: Pyaaz Khaate Hai?? PM Modi Ji be like: Poori Congress ko kha gaya, pyaaz kya cheez hai.”
The 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections are set to take place in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with results expected on May 4.
