Kolkata bibliophiles to protest alleged attacks on bookstalls

Organizers of the ‘Walk for Books’ march plan to protest in Kolkata on October 29 following reports of vandalism and arson targeting Left-wing bookstalls during the Durga Puja festivities. The protest, set to begin at College Street, aims to defend intellectual freedom and cultural expression after nearly 300 stalls were reportedly targeted across West Bengal.

Incidents of book desecration and destruction have been reported in areas including Barasat, Nagerbazar, Jadavpur, and Kasba. Allegations have been made regarding the involvement of right-wing groups in tearing pages from books at CPI(M) stalls. In one instance, garbage trucks were reportedly used to remove books from a stall.

The dispute has reached the legal system, with the Calcutta High Court issuing conflicting orders regarding the placement of a CPI(M) stall. Meanwhile, the BJP has announced plans to establish approximately 5,000 bookstalls near Puja pandals to distribute literature related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party ideology.