A dispute over a Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) book stall near the 8B bus stand in Kolkata’s Jadavpur escalated on Saturday evening after police and civic officials arrived with an earthmover to remove the temporary structure.
Party leaders and supporters protested the proposed demolition, claiming the stall had the necessary permissions. The incident comes amid allegations by Left parties that their book stalls have been vandalised, obstructed or forcibly removed at several locations across West Bengal during Durga Puja.
CPIM Leaders Question Removal Order
According to reports, police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials reached the Jadavpur site and sought to remove the stall. The arrival of an earthmover prompted party workers and supporters to form a human chain and stand in front of the machine to prevent the demolition.
CPIM Central Committee member Sujan Chakraborty and state committee member Sudip Sengupta were among the leaders who reached the spot. They questioned the officials and demanded that they produce the legal order authorising the removal.
Sengupta said the party had obtained permission from Kolkata Police and the civic body, along with approval for the electricity connection used at the stall. He alleged that officials were attempting to remove the structure despite these permissions.
As more supporters gathered, tensions increased. Sengupta also expressed concern that officials might return at night to remove the stall if protesters dispersed. CPIM supporters subsequently indicated that they would remain at the site to prevent its demolition.
Left Parties Allege Attacks on Book Stalls
The confrontation in Jadavpur follows allegations by Left parties that their temporary book stalls have been obstructed, vandalised or forcibly dismantled at different locations during the festive season.
In Dhakuria, Left parties alleged that miscreants attacked stalls being prepared for Durga Puja, damaged materials and assaulted party workers.
Similar allegations of vandalism emerged from Bijpur and Barasat in North 24 Parganas district. The incidents have added to tensions between Left parties and the BJP during the festival. The BJP has denied involvement in some of the reported incidents.
CPIM Alleges Restrictions in Haltu, Kasba
The CPIM also alleged that its book stall outside Purbachal Shakti Sangha in the Haltu area was targeted after being inaugurated on Friday.
According to the party, officers from Garfa police station subsequently asked the organisers to remove the stall.
The party further claimed that attempts had earlier been made to prevent book stalls from being set up in Kasba and that a CPI book stall near the State Bank of India in Dhakuria had been demolished.
The allegations have raised concerns among Left party leaders over their ability to set up temporary stalls and distribute books during the festival.
Md Salim Criticises Authorities
CPIM state secretary Md Salim criticised the authorities over the alleged restrictions, accusing the government of focusing on preventing Left parties from operating book stalls rather than supporting vulnerable sections of society.
“The government is celebrating festivals but has not stood by the helpless. Its main task seems to be preventing leftists from setting up book stalls. Despite hundreds of obstacles, a large number of people are visiting the book stalls,” Salim said.
