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Did West Bengal Read More of Marx or Modi This Durga Puja?
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
This Durga Puja, West Bengal's political landscape was highlighted by contrasting book sales figures from the CPI(M) and BJP, reflecting their differing narratives.
Key points
- CPI(M) reported a 104% increase in book sales, totaling Rs 98 lakh across 12 districts.
- BJP claimed over Rs 2 crore in sales, but this includes bulk purchases and not just retail sales.
- BJP operates around 2,500 book stalls, while CPI(M) has about 1,200.
- The sales figures from both parties are not directly comparable due to differing counting methods.
- CPI(M) faced attacks on its book stalls, with 227 stalls targeted and 13 closed during the Puja season.
Key insights
- The contrasting sales figures may influence public perception of each party's ideological reach.
- Increased sales for CPI(M) could indicate resilience among its supporters despite attacks.
- BJP's extensive stall network suggests a strategic approach to disseminate its literature.
Why it matters
The differing book sales figures reflect the ongoing political rivalry in West Bengal and the cultural significance of literature during Durga Puja.
Entities
West Bengal· StateCPI(M)· OrganizationBJP· OrganizationSujan Chakraborty· PersonSaptarshi Chowdhury· Person
Source
India Today
