Kolkata: The CPM has in the past three days lodged at least 10 police complaints against attempts at thwarting decorators from setting up their book stalls outside puja pandals in Kolkata.SUCI(C) complained its Sharadiya book stalls, including in Tangra, Behala, Howrah, Behrampore, Bishnupur and Radhakantapur, were vandalised, banners torn and books destroyed. Party senior Tapan Mukherjee was injured during an attack in Tangra. Police allegedly forcibly shut down or denied permits for stalls in Baranagar, Regent Park and Beleghata.CPM district committee secretary Kallol Majumdar said decorators were being threatened and some tried to ransack stalls in Behala, Dum Dum and Kasba among other places. In Kasba, a stall was reportedly ransacked on Thursday morning. “Party workers put the stall back by evening. It was inaugurated immediately to prevent further attempts at hindering its opening,” he said.Several Left functionaries on Friday addressed a news meet, denouncing the attacks and determined to open book stalls. “We appeal to police to act against them, those who are ransacking stalls, setting fire to the structures. Police and the administration must provide level playing field so that all can propagate their thoughts and ideology. We would want an atmosphere of amity and unity to exist during the festive season,” said Mohammed Selim, CPM state secretary.A party member said stalls were attacked in Pora Ashwattala in Behala, Mahabirtala in New Alipore, Dum Dum and Kasba. Police on Friday dismantled a book stall in Ahiritala as it lacked proper permission.“Wherever there is an attack, we will resist. We will open the stalls. If we are forced, we will have to take to the streets. Do not write letters, saying we are creating obstacles in the time of festivals,” Selim said. He added that the party would again march to the Election Commission office on Nov 5 after the pujas are over.
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