Left parties should sell books from party offices, not at Durga Puja pandals, says West Bengal CM

The chief minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, has urged left‑leaning political parties to confine the sale of books to their own offices rather than using stalls at Durga Puja pandals, a comment that has sparked a fresh round of debate about the role of political literature during the state’s most celebrated festival. Speaking at a press conference in Kolkata, the Trinamool leader said that political parties should respect the cultural and commercial space of the puja season, noting that the presence of partisan book stalls at pandal sites often leads to friction with organizers and devotees. “The pandal is a place of worship and community gathering, not a marketplace for political propaganda,” he said, adding that the left parties’ decision to set up stalls had “crossed the line” and was “unnecessary”.Adhikari’s remarks arrived on the heels of a wave of criticism from within his own party after several Trinamool legislators publicly condemned recent attacks on the book stalls erected by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and its allies at a number of puja venues across the state..

The incidents, which saw stalls vandalised and merchandise damaged, were described by local media as “isolated” but have been amplified on social platforms, where images of torn books and broken displays circulated widely. Trinamool leaders, including senior minister Amit Mitra, expressed concern that any violence directed at political literature, regardless of its ideological source, undermines democratic norms and the free exchange of ideas that the festival should celebrate.The left parties, for their part, defended the presence of their stalls as a long‑standing tradition that enables them to reach a broad audience during a period when the city’s population swells with pilgrims and tourists. A spokesperson for the CPI(M) said that the stalls are “a legitimate means of engaging with citizens about alternative viewpoints, especially at a time when the political discourse is heavily dominated by the ruling party”..

The spokesperson also rejected any implication that the stalls are meant to disrupt the puja atmosphere, emphasizing that the books offered are primarily on social justice, labour rights, and regional history, topics the left claims are relevant to the everyday concerns of West Bengal’s residents.Legal experts note that the issue sits at the intersection of several statutes governing public gatherings, commercial activity, and freedom of expression. The West Bengal Police Act permits the issuance of temporary permits for stalls at public events, but these are typically subject to the approval of event organizers and local municipal authorities. In recent years, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation has tightened regulations on commercial activities at puja pandals, citing concerns over safety, traffic congestion, and the preservation of the festival’s cultural sanctity..

Critics of the chief minister’s stance argue that the call to restrict political book sales could be interpreted as an attempt to curtail dissent, while supporters contend that it simply aims to maintain order and respect for religious sentiments.Observers point out that the tension between political activism and cultural festivities is not new to West Bengal, a state where politics has historically been woven into the fabric of everyday life. During the 1970s and 1980s, left‑wing groups frequently used puja grounds to disseminate literature, organize street plays, and hold public discussions. Those activities were generally tolerated, albeit with occasional friction, as they were seen as part of a broader tradition of political engagement..

However, the contemporary climate, marked by heightened polarization and an increasingly litigious environment, has altered the parameters within which such engagements are negotiated.The incident has also reignited a broader conversation about the commercialization of Durga Puja, which in recent years has transformed from a primarily religious observance into a major tourist attraction and economic engine. According to a report by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation, the festival now generates upwards of ₹10 billion in revenue annually, attracting both domestic and international visitors. This commercial boom has prompted local authorities to enforce stricter controls over vendor licensing, crowd management, and waste disposal, measures that some political actors argue inadvertently marginalize grassroots initiatives, including those of political parties.In response to the chief minister’s appeal, several left‑leaning NGOs have issued statements urging a “balanced approach” that safeguards both cultural heritage and democratic expression..

One such organisation, the West Bengal Forum for Civic Rights, called for a dialogue between party officials, puja committees, and municipal authorities to establish clear guidelines that would allow political literature to be distributed without compromising the sanctity of the celebrations. The forum suggested designating specific zones within pandal complexes where non‑commercial stalls could operate, a proposal that has yet to gain official endorsement.Meanwhile, the Trinamool administration has signalled that it will review the permit‑issuing process for all stalls at puja sites, citing the need to ensure “fairness and transparency”. A senior police official confirmed that a task force is being set up to investigate the recent vandalism incidents, with a focus on identifying perpetrators and preventing future occurrences..

The official added that any unlawful damage to property, irrespective of its political affiliation, would be dealt with under existing criminal provisions.The debate underscores the delicate balancing act faced by policymakers in a state where religion, culture, and politics intersect so closely. As the next round of Durga Puja preparations gains momentum, the question of where, when, and how political literature can be shared will likely remain a point of contention. Whether the chief minister’s call for party‑office sales will translate into concrete regulatory changes remains to be seen, but the episode has already highlighted the need for clearer, mutually agreed‑upon norms that respect both the festive spirit and the democratic right to disseminate ideas.In the coming weeks, both the ruling party and the opposition are expected to refine their strategies ahead of the upcoming municipal elections, with the book‑stall controversy serving as a microcosm of larger ideological battles..

As West Bengal navigates this intersection of cultural celebration and political expression, the outcome may set a precedent for how other Indian states manage similar conflicts between festive traditions and the vibrancy of a pluralistic public sphere..