CPM book stall vandalism continues in Bengal amid Durga Puja, party members assaulted in Islampur

The CPM on Wednesday alleged that another of its book stalls was vandalised in Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district and several party members were assaulted.

Several books were damaged in the attack at Islampur on Tuesday night, party leaders said. Jayanta Deb, a local party member, was among those injured.

Police said the situation was under control and a strict vigil was being maintained in the area.

The CPI(M) demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the incident.

Several CPI(M) book stalls, set up near Durga Puja pandals every year, have come under attack from right-wing goons, including Bajrang Dal and other saffron groups, in different parts of the state over the past few days. In some areas, the administration has dismantled the temporary stalls, citing the lack of requisite permission.

The vandalism of CPM and other Left parties' book stalls has not been just restricted to Barasat, Malda, North and South 24-Parganas, but even in the heart of Kolkata.

Jadavpur in south Kolkata witnessed a 12-hour-long battle between Left protesters and police from Saturday evening to Sunday morning, who had arrived with KMC officials and a bulldozer to demolish a book stall.

Although Left supporters led by CPM leaders Sudip Sengupta and Srijan Bhattacharya resisted the move, police eventually bulldozed book stalls affiliated with the SUCI and ADPR.
Last month, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directed Durga Puja committees across the state to deny permission to CPI(M) book stalls if they used the term "Sharodotsav" (autumn festival) instead of "Durga Puja" on banners and hoardings identifying the festival.

BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya has repeatedly claimed that his party does not support such acts of vandalism by its members.