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CPI(M) book stall ‘vandalised’ in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas
India🏛️ PoliticsLean Conservative6 hr. ago

CPI(M) book stall ‘vandalised’ in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas

A CPI(M) book stall in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district was reportedly vandalized and set on fire by unidentified individuals on October 15. The incident occurred at Charapool intersection in Palashi Majhipara area of Bijpur. Local CPI(M) leaders accused BJP-backed groups of being responsible, though these claims could not be independently verified. In a related development, the Kamardanga Durga Puja committee displayed a banner with the slogan 'Bam Badh' (slay the Left) and blocked a CPI(M) stall near their event. Similar incidents of vandalism and obstruction were reported in other areas of Kolkata and South 24 Parganas. These actions follow a political debate over the placement of Left party book stalls during Durga Puja, a traditional festival in Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had previously advised Durga Puja committees to refuse space to CPI(M) stalls if they referred to the festival as 'Sharodotsav.' The CPI(M) argues that such stalls are a vital part of Bengal's cultural and political traditions. Senior BJP leader Arjun Singh stated that 'Dimagi Naxals' (intellectual Maoists) would not be permitted to set up stalls in the future.

A CPI(M) book stall in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district was reportedly vandalised and set on fire by unidentified individuals on the night of October 15. According to party sources, the incident occurred at Charapool intersection in Palashi Majhipara area of Bijpur. Locals managed to extinguish the flames before significant damage could occur. Local CPI(M) leaders, including senior member Kaltan Dasgupta, alleged that the attack was carried out by individuals backed by the BJP. These claims could not be independently confirmed. A senior police official stated that the situation remained stable and that personnel were stationed at the location. In a related development, the Kamardanga Durga Puja committee in the Entally area of Kolkata displayed a flex banner with the slogan "Bam Badh" (slay the Left) and obstructed the setup of a CPI(M) stall near the puja pandal. The committee accused the Left of supporting anti-national activities and claimed local residents opposed the move. Similar incidents of vandalism and obstruction were reported in areas such as Palta Shantinagar in the Noapara Assembly constituency, as well as parts of Kolkata, Jorabagan, Shibpur, and Kulpi in South 24 Parganas. This comes amid ongoing political discussions regarding the establishment of book stalls by Left parties during Durga Puja, a traditional practice in Bengal's cultural and political sphere. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari previously advised Durga Puja committees to deny space to CPI(M) book stalls if the party used the term "Sharodotsav" (autumn festival). The CPI(M) maintains that these stalls are an essential component of Bengal's tradition of merging cultural celebrations with the dissemination of political ideas and literature. Senior BJP leader and West Bengal minister Arjun Singh stated that book stalls set up by "Dimagi Naxals" would not be permitted in the future. He remarked that such groups do not perform shradh rituals after the death of their parents and thus have no place in society. A senior RSS leader, Jishnu Basu, condemned the act of vandalising book stalls, calling those involved cowards. He argued that only illegal actions warrant police intervention and that the CPI(M), CPI, and SUCI (Communist) should be allowed to maintain their book stalls. West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta expressed disapproval of the violence surrounding the book stalls. The CPI(M) filed a petition with the Calcutta High Court to safeguard a book stall in Jadavpur, claiming that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and police sought to dismantle it. On October 17, supporters of Left parties resisted efforts by authorities to remove a temporary book stall in Jadavpur. Reports indicated that book stalls belonging to both Left parties and civil rights organisations faced vandalism across the state, including in Howrah and Kolkata on October 19.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 4 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

4 reports

The Print logoThe PrintIndependentConservativeFactual 78Objective 754 days ago
CPI(M) book stall ‘vandalised’ in Bengal’s North 24 Parganas

A CPI(M) book stall in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district was reportedly vandalized and set on fire by unidentified individuals on October 15. The incident occurred at Charapool intersection in Palashi Majhipara area of Bijpur. Local CPI(M) leaders accused BJP-backed groups of being responsible, though these claims could not be independently verified. In a related development, the Kamardanga Durga Puja committee displayed a banner with the slogan 'Bam Badh' (slay the Left) and blocked a CPI(M) stall near their event. Similar incidents of vandalism and obstruction were reported in other areas of Kolkata and South 24 Parganas. These actions follow a political debate over the placement of Left party book stalls during Durga Puja, a traditional festival in Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had previously advised Durga Puja committees to refuse space to CPI(M) stalls if they referred to the festival as 'Sharodotsav.' The CPI(M) argues that such stalls are a vital part of Bengal's cultural and political traditions. Senior BJP leader Arjun Singh stated that 'Dimagi Naxals' (intellectual Maoists) would not be permitted to set up stalls in the future.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the vandalism of CPI(M) book stalls as an act by 'BJP-backed miscreants,' which implies a partisan motive. It quotes a senior BJP leader criticizing the CPI(M) as 'Dimagi Naxals' and suggesting they should not be allowed to operate, reinforcing a negative portrayal of the Left. It

Why factuality (78): The article provides specific details such as the location (North 24 Parganas), date (October 15), and the involvement of CPI(M) and BJP. However, the claim that 'BJP-backed miscreants' were responsible is based on unverified allegations from CPI(M) sources. The article acknowledges this lack of ver

Why objectivity (75): The article presents both sides of the issue, mentioning CPI(M)'s claims and the response from BJP figures like Arjun Singh. It avoids overtly biased language but does quote CPI(M) accusations directly, which may subtly favor their perspective.

Hindustan Times logoHindustan TimesIndependentCenter6 hr. ago
RSS, Bengal finance minister condemn vandalism at Left book stalls during Durga Puja

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and West Bengal finance minister Swapan Dasgupta have condemned recent vandalism targeting Left-wing book stalls during Durga Puja celebrations in Kolkata and surrounding areas. The incidents reportedly involved alleged Right-wing groups destroying or removing the stalls, which were organized by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), CPI, and CPI(ML) Liberation. The Left parties accused Hindutva groups and local authorities of being responsible, while the RSS denied involvement and emphasized the importance of free expression. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty claimed the vandalism was orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing comments from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari regarding conditions for allowing Left book stalls near Durga Puja venues. The controversy has intensified amid broader criticisms of the BJP's governance in West Bengal, especially following a deadly stampede at a Durga Puja event.

Bias read (Center): The article presents multiple perspectives without overtly favoring any side. It includes statements from both the RSS and the Left parties, as well as the finance minister, providing a balanced view of the situation. There is no clear indication of biased language or selective sourcing.

The Hindu logoThe HinduIndependentCenter20 hr. ago
RSS leader, W.B. Minister oppose attacks on book stalls set up by Left parties at Durga Puja pandals

In West Bengal, tensions have escalated between Left parties and other groups over the issue of book stalls set up during Durga Puja celebrations. Senior RSS leader Jishnu Basu and West Bengal Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta have publicly criticized the attacks on these book stalls, calling them unjustified and condemning the violence against them. Basu accused those using police force to shut down the stalls of lacking understanding of the nation and being unworthy of being called Hindu. Dasgupta expressed disapproval of the 'hooliganism' surrounding the stalls, noting their longstanding presence during festivals. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has targeted Left parties, accusing them of creating anarchy and linking them to Chinese origins. The CPI(M) has taken legal action by filing a petition in the Calcutta High Court to protect a book stall in Jadavpur, which faced attempts by authorities to remove it. Supporters of Left parties resisted these efforts, forming a human chain to prevent the destruction of the stall.

Bias read (Center): The article presents opposing viewpoints from both the RSS and the Left parties, along with statements from government officials. It does not favor one side over the other and provides balanced coverage of the situation without apparent bias toward either group.

India Today logoIndia TodayIndependentCenter22 hr. ago
Chorebagan stampede: Who will be held accountable?

Following the recent change in government in West Bengal, the Chorebagan Durga Puja celebration in north Kolkata became a focal point of political activity, with BJP leaders taking increasing influence over the event's organization. This included the selection of artists and themes, as well as the replacement of long-time organizers like Jayanta Banerjee and his daughter, who reportedly resigned under pressure. The festival, initially marked by political symbolism such as a mural of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ended in tragedy on October 17 when a stampede during the celebrations killed 19 people. Seven individuals directly involved in organizing the event were arrested, including the puja secretary and those responsible for crowd control and security. However, questions remain about whether higher-level figures, such as the chief patron and BJP-affiliated officials, should also be held accountable. The TMC has publicly challenged authorities to investigate these individuals, suggesting potential political protection.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the events neutrally, focusing on the sequence of actions taken by various parties, the arrests made, and the subsequent calls for accountability. There is no overtly biased language, and both the TMC's concerns and the police's actions are reported without clear endorsement or抨

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