For Anubrata Mondal, nakuldanas will always be sweet. So will letters from America, even if they seem left-handed compliments.

Trinamul’s Birbhum chief Friday held a news conference brandishing a purported letter he claimed to have received “from Fresno in California”. The contents of the anonymous letter appeared critical of a diktat by the leader to distribute nakuldanas (sweet balls) to voters and candidates this poll season. Mondal’s order last month had caused a spike in nakuldana sales in the district.

The letter — whose sender is described as “Nakuldana Wholesalers Association” — tells Mondal “not to forget that he has blood sugar”, although the leader claimed he had the condition “in the past, not any more”.

“What I have said about nakuldana has reached the US…it has caused a stir even there. This is a proud moment for me. I am so deeply touched, I will reply to the letter after the elections,” Mondal said on Friday.

Asked if he did not see the letter as a hoax and possibly a veiled threat, Mondal said: “No way. This was written with good intentions.”

The threat factor crept into the picture as local thugs and criminals use “dana” to refer to bullets — something the Opposition sniffed in Mondal’s nakuldana gesture.

Nakuldana — a grainy white candy made from refined sugar — is traditionally used as an offering at temples. It is also popular with children and guests.

The letter follows: “Anubrata Mandal, You are giving ‘nakuldana’ to the voters and believe they will vote for TMC. If you love ‘nakuldana’, we can give you some but is it really good for you? Don’t forget you have high blood sugar…You mentioned that Election Commission eats ‘nakuldana’. Understood. But do you know that your bodyguards eat ‘nakuldana’ too? Sincerely (Do not doubt our sincerity) Nakuldana Wholesalers Association (sic)”

Sender’s address: “Central Valley Distributors 467 E Alluvial Ave Fresno, CA 93720”.