Poster Campaign Urging Hindu-Only Purchases Sparks Siliguri Controversy

A poster campaign in Siliguri, West Bengal, has triggered a public outcry ahead of the Durga Puja festivities. The Hindu Jagaran Manch, an RSS affiliate, distributed posters across the city urging residents to purchase biryani and puja articles exclusively from Hindu-owned shops. Campaign leader Abhishek Das described the messages as an appeal to support the local economy rather than a mandatory directive.

The initiative has faced strong political opposition, with senior CPI(M) leader Asok Bhattacharya labeling the campaign a crime in a secular nation and demanding police action. Bhattacharya has called for the immediate removal of the posters and the arrest of those responsible for the communal messaging.

Editor's note: The brief effectively summarizes the controversy and the reactions from both the organizers and political opposition.