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. A similar situation was reported in Haltu. 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. Despite the tense atmosphere, book sales continued uninterrupted. Nevertheless, sales continued. Thirteen were closed. 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.
The figure is considered significant because, despite the uncertainty and obstacles, the steady presence of readers and their enthusiasm for buying books turned the stall into a cultural meeting point. Books worth more than Rs 16 lakh were sold at the Jadavpur stall, according to reports. 106. Organisers of the stall reported that books worth approximately Rs 50,000 were sold during the festival period. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said the party has been setting up book stalls during Durga Puja since 1952. “227 Left book stalls were targeted and attacked this year. In 12 districts, book sales exceeded Rs 48 lakh last year. This year, sales rose to Rs 98 lakh, marking a 104 per cent increase,” Chakraborty said. 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. Attempts were made to remove a CPI(M) book stall in Ward No, according to allegations. The book stall there was removed and CPI(M) workers were attacked, according to allegations.
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.
