KOLKATA — A leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and a West Bengal state minister have voiced opposition to recent attacks on book stalls erected by Left parties near Durga Puja pandals, according to reporting by The Hindu — National.
The stance against the disruption of festive book exhibitions comes amid a charged political atmosphere surrounding traditional ideological displays across West Bengal during the state's largest public festival.
Opposition to Stalls Targeting Cultural Spaces
For decades, political parties in West Bengal, particularly those aligned with the Left, have set up seasonal stalls outside Durga Puja pandals to sell literature, distribute periodicals, and engage directly with attendees. The recent targeting and disruption of these stalls prompted pushback from figures across political divides, including a state minister and a functionary from the RSS.
Both figures condemned the aggressive disruptions at the venues, advocating against the physical harassment of political workers distributing reading material outside community festival sites.
Adhikari Criticizes Left Political Elements
Despite the pushback against the violent disruptions by the minister and the RSS representative, friction surrounding the Left stalls remains intense. West Bengal political leader Suvendu Adhikari continued to sharply criticize Left parties over their seasonal activities.
According to the dispatch, Adhikari alleged that supporters belonging to Left organizations are trying to create anarchy across the country. His remarks reflect ongoing hostilities between opposing political factions throughout the state during major community gatherings.
