This year’s Durga Puja in West Bengal has sparked political controversy and criticism over allegations that CPI(M) book stalls set up near puja pandals faced obstruction from the authorities and attacks by alleged right-wing workers.
No such incidents had been reported at the site in previous years despite the long-standing political rivalry between the CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), according to local accounts. As in previous years, a CPI(M) book stall was set up at Jadavpur 8B during the festival. However, they faced resistance from CPI(M) workers and supporters and eventually withdrew. The developments surrounding the stall became a topic of discussion in political circles. The situation in Kasba unfolded somewhat differently. However, the initiative continued. A new stall was subsequently set up in the garage of a local resident, Milan Banerjee. Supporters of the initiative argue that public interest in books cannot be easily displaced. If a roadside stall is no longer available, they say, even a garage can become a gathering place for readers.
Even from this temporary location, books worth approximately Rs 50,000 were sold.
Police arrived with a bulldozer to demolish the stall, according to reports. The book stall there was removed and CPI(M) workers were attacked, according to allegations.
