Hundreds march in Kolkata against attacks on bookstalls
The 'Walk for books' rally on College Street included citizens, activists, and politicians protesting recent vandalism of bookstalls.
Hundreds of people participated in a rally called 'Walk for books' in Kolkata on Saturday, October 31, to protest recent attacks on books and bookstalls. According to The Hindu, the march took place on College Street, also known as Boipara, and featured participants including common citizens, activists, professors, and politicians.
The protest was organised in response to repeated attacks on bookstalls run by Left parties during the Durga Puja festivities. Senior CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty stated that at least 292 stalls were vandalised. Left parties have blamed right-wing groups and the BJP for these attacks.
CPI(M) leader Satarup Ghosh said the protest was unheard of in Kolkata because such attacks on books were also unheard of. He noted that many marchers had no relation to Left ideologies but participated for the love of books.
The march included several prominent figures who signed the call, such as academician Pabitra Sarkar, former MP Jawhar Sircar, and actor Sabyasachi Chakraborty. Participants sang, recited poems, and held books high while marching.
While the BJP has denied allegations of involvement and condemned the attacks, Suvendu Adhikari has continued verbal attacks on the bookstalls. Sujan Chakraborty said the attacks resulted in people showing up at stalls in solidarity, driving sales beyond Rs 1.5 crore.