In Brief
- Left party book stalls faced attacks and removals during Durga Puja in West Bengal.
- RSS and Bengal finance minister publicly condemned the vandalism incidents.
- CPI(M), CPI, and CPI(ML) Liberation allege targeted harassment of their stalls.
- The incidents occurred near Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata and other districts.
Vandalism of Left party book stalls during Durga Puja
During the Durga Puja celebrations, book stalls set up by Left parties including CPI(M), CPI, and CPI(ML) Liberation were reportedly attacked or forcibly removed near pandals across Kolkata and various districts in West Bengal. The parties have alleged these incidents as targeted harassment during the religious festivities.
In response, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and West Bengal's finance minister condemned the vandalism, expressing concern over the attacks on the stalls. Their statements highlighted the need for respecting public and political expression during such events.
Political and social context
Durga Puja is a major festival in West Bengal, known for its vibrant cultural activities including book fairs and stalls representing various political and social groups. The attacks on Left party stalls have raised concerns about political intolerance and disruption of cultural harmony during these celebrations.
The Left parties have called for security measures and investigation into the incidents to prevent recurrence in future festivals. The condemnation by the RSS and state government officials underscores the wider call for peaceful coexistence and respect for diverse voices during public gatherings.
