Violence Over Left-Party Book Stalls During West Bengal’s Durga Puja

During Durga Puja in West Bengal, temporary book stalls set up by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and other Left parties were vandalised in locations including Jadavpur, Rashbehari, Nagerbazar, Dhakuria, Shibpur, Howrah and other districts. Allegations link the attacks to supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On October 17, Left supporters formed a human chain in Jadavpur to stop a bulldozer from demolishing their stall. Two days later the CPI(M) filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court alleging that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and police attempted to remove the Jadavpur stall.

New Indian ExpressThe HinduCNBC TV18Swapan Dasgupta condemns attacks on Left bookstalls, says vandalism is unacceptable

Book stalls at Durga Puja pandals have long been part of West Bengal’s festival scene. The Left parties use the stalls to disseminate ideology and connect with the public, even though they do not associate with the ritual aspects of the festival. The controversy follows a broader clash between the BJP-led state administration and Left organisations, after BJP state chief Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged organizers not to permit Left-party stalls.

The Hindu

• Jishnu Basu, senior RSS functionary, condemned the vandalism as “cowardice” and said only illegal activity justifies police action. He affirmed that the CPI(M), CPI and SUCI have the right to set up stalls unless they endanger lives.

The Hindu

• Swapan Dasgupta, West Bengal Finance Minister, expressed shame over the attacks, emphasising freedom of speech and questioning who authorised the acts in the BJP’s name.

Swapan Dasgupta condemns attacks on Left bookstalls, says vandalism is unacceptable

• Suvendu Adhikari, West Bengal Chief Minister, warned that “forefathers from China” are trying to create anarchy and criticised the Left for not participating in rituals.

The Hindu

• October 17: a human chain of Left supporters blocked a bulldozer in Jadavpur, protecting the stall.

The Hindu

• October 19: vandalism and fires were reported at stalls across the state. The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) said its own stall was damaged.

The Hindu

• Affected locations: Jadavpur, Rashbehari, Nagerbazar, Dhakuria, Shibpur (Kolkata), Howrah and additional unspecified districts.

New Indian Express

• Finance Minister Dasgupta described the incidents as part of a “hooliganism” pattern dating back to May 4.

Swapan Dasgupta condemns attacks on Left bookstalls, says vandalism is unacceptable

• Allegation: CPI(M) and other Left parties allege BJP supporters carried out the vandalism.

Swapan Dasgupta condemns attacks on Left bookstalls, says vandalism is unacceptable

• Denial: Dasgupta questioned who authorised the attacks and suggested that individuals acting in the BJP’s name may not reflect party policy. No independent verification of the perpetrators has been presented.

Swapan Dasgupta condemns attacks on Left bookstalls, says vandalism is unacceptable

• Police Role: Claims that police were deployed to remove stalls have been made, but official confirmation of police orders or actions is absent.

The Hindu

• “I have been witnessing such stalls for 30-40 years. Not that they draw a lot of attention. But they set up stalls anyway. I do not support the hooliganism around book stalls in any way,” — Swapan Dasgupta, Finance Minister

The Hindu

The CPI(M) seeks relief from the Calcutta High Court to protect its Jadavpur stall. The court’s decision and any subsequent administrative orders will determine whether the stalls can continue unhindered during the remainder of the Durga Puja celebrations.

The Hindu