Durga Puja Book Stall Disputes Spark Clashes in Bengal; CPI(M) Sales Cross ₹98 Lakh

Kolkata: Tensions and physical confrontations have reportedly continued at several locations across West Bengal over Left parties setting up book stalls at Durga Puja pandals, triggering debate over political expression during the festive season.The disputes have drawn attention to the presence of political literature at community celebrations, with disagreements emerging over the installation of stalls associated with Left parties. Despite the reported confrontations, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), recorded book sales exceeding ₹98 lakh.The figures highlight continued public interest in political literature during Durga Puja, one of Bengal’s biggest cultural festivals. The controversy has also raised questions about the coexistence of political activities, cultural traditions and community spaces.