Controversial posters put up by the Hindu Jagran Manch in Siliguri before Durga Puja have sparked a major debate across the city. These posters appeal to people to buy goods, meat, and biryani only from Hindu shops to help Hindu business owners become financially independent. The posters were put up in areas including ward number 24, with about a hundred posters appearing across the city. They also included a message to stay alert about the identity of street vendors selling items in neighborhoods. Abhishek Das from the organization stated that the initiative aims to make Hindu society aware and strengthen Hindu businesses, clarifying it is a social message and not a fatwa.
Local residents and political leaders have expressed mixed reactions and strong criticism against this campaign. Local resident Indrajit Chanda said that people should look at quality and cleanliness when buying things rather than the religion of the shopkeeper, emphasizing the need to maintain harmony during the festival.
Trinamool Congress leader Gautam Dev opposed the campaign, stating it increases social division and hurts human values. Senior CPI-M leader Ashok Bhattacharya also criticized the posters, alleging they spread hatred and demanding the administration remove them while noting that shopping and food choices are personal freedom.
BJP Siliguri organizational district president Arun Mandal supported the move, stating every religion has its own culture and following religious traditions is not wrong. State tourism minister and local MLA Sankar Ghosh said the matter has not yet come to his notice, but he will look into it.
