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Political violence and bookstall disputes in West Bengal

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2026-10-19 10:43 UTC → 2026-10-25 19:55 UTC · added removed

Political tensions in West Bengal have intensified during the Durga Puja festival, centered on attacks and administrative actions against bookstalls operated by Left parties, including the CPIM, CPI, and CPI(ML) Liberation. In Bongaon and Kulpī, CPIM members reported that groups of youths using religious slogans engaged in vandalism and arson against stalls intended for the festivities. stalls. CPIM leaders filed police complaints alleging BJP involvement, while BJP representatives maintained the actions were local protests against remarks made by CPIM leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya. The situation in Bongaon has involved legal oversight from In Birati, the Calcutta High Court, which previously instructed police to ensure security for these stalls. Students' Federation of India (SFI) reported that a meeting was disrupted by individuals who vandalized the stage, microphones, and banners. SFI leaders accused the BJP of orchestrating the disruption, while local BJP representatives denied involvement, claiming residents had grievances regarding potentially controversial remarks. Confrontations have also expanded to Jadavpur, where a team from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Corporation team, accompanied by police and central forces, attempted to demolish a CPIM bookstall. Although Despite the party asserts asserting it holds the held required permissions, the attempt resulted in an overnight standoff with local supporters, causing the demolition team to retreat. standoff. The CPIM has petitioned the Calcutta High Court regarding the Jadavpur incident, with the court scheduling Court, which scheduled a hearing for October 20 to provide temporary relief relief. By late October, reports indicated nearly 300 stalls were targeted across areas including Barasat, Nagerbazar, Jadavpur, and Kasba. Allegations surfaced regarding right-wing groups tearing book pages or using garbage trucks to the stall. These developments remove books from CPI(M) stalls. In response, organizers have prompted wider debates concerning public safety, administrative power, and planned a ‘Walk for Books’ march in Kolkata on October 29 to defend intellectual freedom. Meanwhile, the right BJP announced plans to dissent during cultural celebrations. establish approximately 5,000 bookstalls near Puja pandals to distribute party-related literature.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-25 19:55 UTC Political violence and bookstall disputes in West Bengal
  2. 2026-10-19 10:43 UTC Political violence and bookstall disputes in West Bengal
  3. 2026-10-16 23:15 UTC Political violence in West Bengal

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