Siliguri posters urging buys from Hindu shops trigger political row ahead of Durga Puja

What happened in Siliguri Posters urging citizens to buy festival goods, meat and biryani exclusively from Hindu-owned shops have appeared across Siliguri ahead of Durga Puja, triggering political controversy in West Bengal's key northern town. The colourful Bengali posters were put up by the Hindu Jagaran Manch, an organisation affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Abhishek Das, a member leading the campaign, defended the posters as an economic appeal rather than a directive. "This is not a diktat but an appeal," Das said. "If people support businesses run by Hindus, it will also impact the local economy." ## Opposition calls for arrests as BJP distances itself Senior CPI(M) leader and former Siliguri mayor Asok Bhattacharya urged police to intervene immediately and take action against those behind the posters. "Putting up such posters is a crime in a secular, democratic nation," Bhattacharya said. "The administration should not only remove the posters but also arrest those behind this communal campaign." The BJP sought to distance itself from the initiative. Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar said the Hindu Jagaran Manch operates independently and that his party had no role in putting up the posters. "They must have thought of something before doing this," Majumdar said. "We are not a part of it. However, it is always up to the people to decide which shops they will visit." ## Local response and past controversies The campaign drew criticism from local residents who pointed out that Durga Puja traditions in West Bengal rely on contributions from across communities. Many artisans involved in crafting essential festival items, such as traditional shola pith decorations, are Muslims. Residents also noted that biryani in the city has long been enjoyed without regard for the religious identity of the shop owner. This is not the first time the Hindu Jagaran Manch has made headlines in the town. In 2025, the group joined forces with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to demonstrate outside the Bangladesh visa application centre in Siliguri, protesting alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.