Book stalls at Durga Puja pandals bear the brunt of Left versus Right face-off in West Bengal
Book stalls managed by Left-leaning parties at Durga Puja pandals in West Bengal have faced increasing restrictions and attacks. This trend is framed as part of a broader political shift in the state following the BJP's rise to power in 2026.
Why it matters
The conflict illustrates the intensifying political polarization in West Bengal and the struggle for cultural and ideological space in public festivals.
Book stalls at Durga Puja pandals bear the brunt of Left versus Right face-off in West Bengal left Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary Md. Salim inaugurated a book stall in Kolkata's Tollygunge area. This year, the books at the stalls which have been set up by the NBA have registered a 20 % increase in sales. Debasish Bhaduri Debasish Bhaduri https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/93zw6a/article71595570.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/80717_25_10_2023_17_26_54_4_MARXISTBOOKSTALL4.JPG DEBASISH BHADURI Kolkata, West Bengal,Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary Md. Salim inaugurated a book stall in Kolkatas Tollygunge area. This year the books at the stalls which have been set up by the NBA have registered a 20 % increase in sales. Photo DEBASISH BHADURI The crackdown of the book stalls of Left parties is part of the politics that has emerged in the State after the BJP government came to power in May 2026.
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