Siliguri poster campaign urging purchase from Hindu shops sparks controversy

A controversy has erupted in Siliguri, West Bengal, following a poster campaign by the Hindu Jagran Manch, an organization associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The posters, which have been placed across the city ahead of the Durga Puja festival, urge people to “eat biryani from Hindu shops” and “buy puja materials from Hindu shops.”

Abhishek Das, a member of the Hindu Jagran Manch, stated that the campaign is not a mandate or decree but rather an appeal to support Hindu-run businesses to bolster the local economy. Some posters also prompted citizens to consider the religious identity of street vendors.

The campaign has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and local residents. Ashok Bhattacharya, a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and former minister, called for police action, describing the posters as a crime in a secular and democratic country and demanding the arrest of those involved. Local residents noted that such appeals contradict West Bengal’s social traditions, where food and craftsmanship, including puja items, are often provided by diverse communities regardless of religion.

While the campaign has sparked communal tension, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar clarified that the Hindu Jagran Manch is an independent organization and that the party is not involved in the campaign.