Kolkata High Court to Hear Case on Vandalism of CPI(M) Book Stalls During Durga Puja
Kolkata High Court will hear a case on the vandalism of CPI(M) book stalls during Durga Puja, with significant political implications.
Kolkata, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : The Kolkata High Court is set to hear a case concerning the vandalism of book stalls operated by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) during the Durga Puja festival. This urgent hearing will take place on October 20, following the acceptance of a petition by the court on October 19.
The petition was filed by the CPI(M) regional committee in Jadavpur, South Kolkata, seeking compensation for the damages incurred. Reports of vandalism at various CPI(M) book stalls have emerged from different parts of the state since the festival commenced.
On the night of the seventh day of Durga Puja, two CPI(M) book stalls in the Jadavpur area were targeted. This incident has sparked significant political debate, leading the CPI(M) to pursue legal action for the first time in response to such attacks.
Intellectuals and members of civil society have condemned these acts of vandalism. Notably, West Bengal’s Finance Minister, Swapan Dasgupta, who transitioned from journalism to politics, expressed his disapproval. He described the incidents as not only unfortunate but also shameful, stating, “If this were an isolated incident, I could understand, but it happened in three or four locations. I cannot accept this in any way. We have ideological differences with leftist parties, but who are these people to prevent them from selling books? Who gave them this right? Such incidents are condemnable. I am ashamed. God forbid it happens again.”
Typically, CPI(M) leaders and activists do not engage in religious activities during Durga Puja. However, for years, they have set up book stalls selling communist and Marxist literature near popular community pandals. This practice is viewed as an effective public relations strategy, especially at a time when large crowds gather for the festivities. This year, in addition to communist literature, the CPI(M) stalls featured works by renowned Bengali poets and authors, including Rabindranath Tagore and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.
