States » EastPosted at: Oct 24 2026 9:15PM


Bengal: RSS, Left parties trade charges over book stalls

Siliguri, Oct 24 (UNI) A controversy over books displayed at CPI(M) stalls during the Durga Puja festivities in Siliguri triggered a political confrontation, with the Left parties taking out a rally on Saturday evening and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organising counter-demonstrations at three locations in the town.
The Left rally, in which leaders and supporters of CPI(M) and SUCI participated, raised slogans calling for books to be saved and read. The mobilisation followed alleged attacks on CPI(M) book stalls in different parts of the state, including an incident on Hill Cart Road in Siliguri.
According to accounts of the incident, the trouble began after an RSS member purchased a book on Syama Prasad Mookerjee from a CPI(M) stall and objected to its critical portrayal of the political leader. A subsequent protest by RSS activists led to a confrontation.
The RSS addressed the media on Saturday and subsequently organised demonstrations at three locations, with participation from organisations including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP),
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Hindu Jagaran Manch.
In a statement, the RSS strongly criticised what it described as derogatory remarks against Goddess Durga and material hurting Hindu religious sentiments at CPI(M) book stalls.
“Durga Puja is a symbol of Bengali identity, the eternal faith of Sanatan Dharma and the deep emotions of millions,” the statement said, arguing that religious beliefs should not be ridiculed
in the name of political expression.
The RSS also questioned the Left parties' use of religious festivals for political messaging, citing fundamental differences between Marxist ideology and its own cultural outlook. The controversy has brought competing claims over religious sentiments, freedom of expression and political campaigning into focus during the festive season.
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Tags: #Bengal: RSS# Left parties trade charges over book stalls
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