From The Hindu · Shiv Sahay Singh · · 2m
RSS and Bengal minister condemn attacks on Left book stalls
Senior figures from opposing political camps unite against vandalism of communist party stalls at Durga Puja festivals across West Bengal.
In brief
Senior figures from opposing political camps unite against vandalism of communist party stalls at Durga Puja festivals across West Bengal. An RSS leader and West Bengal Finance Minister have publicly opposed attacks on book stalls set up by Left parties at Durga Puja pandals across the state. Originally reported by…
Attacks on Left book stalls escalate
Book stalls set up by Left parties at Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal are being attacked and vandalised. The incidents have drawn criticism from unexpected quarters.
RSS leader opposes the vandalism
Jishnu Basu, Saha Khetra Prachar Pramukh of South Bengal for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, says there is no valour in vandalising book stalls and those doing so are cowards.
“there is no valour in vandalising book stalls”
Basu: police should only act on illegality
Basu says those using police to close book stalls do not understand the country. Police should only act if stalls are illegal; otherwise the CPI(M), CPI and SUCI (Communist) should be allowed to operate them.
“those intoxicated by power and using the police to close down book Stalls”
Finance Minister also condemns attacks
West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said he cannot support what is happening with book stalls. He has witnessed such stalls for thirty to forty years and does not support hooliganism around them.
“I do not support the hooliganism around book stalls in any way”
Chief Minister attacks Left parties instead
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari continued to target Left parties, saying their supporters are trying to create anarchy. He said communists do not participate in Hindu rituals or wear sacred threads.
“Everyone should be cautious of those whose forefathers are from China”
Jadavpur stall resists removal attempt
On October seventeen, supporters of Left parties formed a human chain to prevent a bulldozer from removing a temporary book stall in Kolkata's Jadavpur area during Durga Puja festivities.
CPI(M) takes case to high court
The CPI(M) moved the Calcutta High Court on October nineteen, alleging that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and police attempted to remove the Jadavpur book stall during the festival.
Left parties defend stall tradition
Left parties say book stalls at Durga Puja have a long tradition and are not only a way to popularise ideology but also to connect with people.
Civil rights groups also targeted
Book stalls of not only Left parties but also civil rights organisations are being vandalised. The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights reported their stall was vandalised on October nineteen.
What matters most
An RSS leader and West Bengal Finance Minister have publicly opposed attacks on book stalls set up by Left parties at Durga Puja pandals across the state.
