West Bengal minister Swapan Dasgupta and RSS condemn vandalism at Durga Puja bookstalls

Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leadership and the West Bengal government have strongly condemned incidents of vandalism targeting political bookstalls set up during Durga Puja, underscoring their commitment to public civility, lawful order, and constitutional freedom of expression.

Left parties, including the CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, and SUCI (Communist), traditionally set up temporary stalls selling literature and magazines near community Durga Puja pandals across Kolkata and surrounding districts. Following scattered disruptions and attempts to dismantle stalls in localities such as Jadavpur, Howrah, Rashbehari, and Dinhata, senior officials stepped in to affirm that differing viewpoints must be respected within a democratic framework.

Ministers and RSS leaders defend free expression

West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta voiced unequivocal disapproval of the attacks, stating that ideological opposition offers no justification for unlawful actions.

"These incidents have made me hang my head in shame. I have been a staunch critic of the Left all my life and continue to be so," Dasgupta said. "That does not mean someone can stop the Left parties from displaying or selling their books." Noting that such literary stalls have operated during festival days for decades, he reiterated that citizens have every right to choose what they read without facing intimidation.

Jishnu Basu, east zonal prachar pramukh of the RSS, similarly denounced the incidents, describing those behind the disruption as cowards. Basu observed that the core ethos of Hindutva accommodates diverse points of view and respects lawful public dialogue.

"The RSS never supports such vandalism and destruction of books. All people have the right to express views," Basu said, adding that parties retain the right to set up stalls so long as their activities do not endanger public safety or break the law.

Preserving public order during the festival

Addressing concerns over political friction, Bharatiya Janata Party state president Samik Bhattacharya denied any organizational involvement in the incidents and confirmed that state authorities were committed to upholding order. Bhattacharya stated that he had discussed the matter directly with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, ensuring the administration takes appropriate steps to prevent any disruptions during the festivities.

Chief Minister Adhikari had earlier cautioned festival committees in September against groups seeking to dilute the religious character of Durga Puja by replacing the name with secular alternatives like 'Sharodotsav'. Speaking after offering prayers at Kanthi, Adhikari appealed for peace and harmony across West Bengal through the remainder of the celebrations.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) moved the Calcutta High Court concerning municipal and police action over its temporary bookstall in Jadavpur, where local party workers had organized resistance to civic clearance. The state administration maintains that municipal rules apply uniformly across the board, with senior government voices making clear that unlawful acts will not be tolerated under the cover of political debate.