Attacks on CPI(M) book stalls marked a turbulent Durga Puja in West Bengal. Masked men vandalised stalls along GT Road on Friday night. The CPI(M) accused BJP supporters of these actions. Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh said, "The BJP is destroying the democratic space." The party vowed to resist these attacks.
For the Left in West Bengal, this Durga Puja has been marked by a series of alleged attacks on book stalls and disputes over permission to set them up near pandals. The CPI(M) has accused BJP supporters of targeting its stalls and vowed to resist the attacks. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya, however, has denied that his party directed any such action and urged people to report those responsible to the police.
The latest incident was reported on Friday night, when a group of masked men allegedly vandalised several CPI(M) book stalls along GT Road in Bardhaman town. The CPI(M) said it had emailed the police in advance seeking security, but the vandalism took place despite the request.
CPI(M) state secretary Mohammad Salim said the attacks were taking place at several locations across the state. Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh also criticised the alleged attacks, saying, "It appears that such a situation is being created from the BJP's side, and CPI(M) stalls are being attacked in several places. They are being obstructed. This should not happen. The BJP is destroying the democratic space."
A senior CPI(M) leader said the party's book stalls had faced attacks during the TMC's regime too, but not on such a scale.