Clashes Over Puja Book Stalls in Kolkata, JCB Move Blocked and Stalls Vandalised

A controversy has erupted in Kolkata during Durga Puja as ideological clashes broke out over competing book stalls set up by left and right-wing organisations. In South Kolkata near Jadavpur University, party workers blocked a JCB machine sent to remove a CPM book stall that has operated during the festival for 49 years, forcing the administration to retreat. In North Kolkata, ABVP workers reportedly targeted another bookstore, drawing resistance from elderly visitors and prompting widespread criticism. The season also witnessed the debut of a saffron book stall set up by BJP and RSS workers. While the state BJP distanced itself from allegations of vandalism, the Trinamool Congress and Congress offered support to the left.