Following the recent change of power in the West Bengal assembly elections, Kolkata has witnessed an unusual form of political protest involving rotten eggs. Demand for spoiled eggs has surged across city markets as protesters use them to target leaders of the Trinamool Congress. Vendors report that customers now jokingly ask whether eggs are for eating or throwing, and some shops have sold entire crates of rotten eggs, suggesting political motives behind the purchases.

The trend began when Trinamool’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee faced a protest in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas, where he was first hit with rotten eggs. Since then, several party leaders have been similarly targeted. Trinamool accuses the BJP government of encouraging post-election violence and claims police remain passive as leaders are attacked. Police have also arrested several Trinamool figures, who were again pelted with eggs while being taken to court.

Rotten eggs are being chosen for their strong stench, which causes lasting humiliation. Prices have varied sharply across Kolkata, with rates ranging from 3 to 10 rupees per egg depending on the area.