Posters Urging People to ‘Buy Meat and Biryani Only From Hindu-Owned Shops’ Spark Controversy in West Bengal

Posters urging people to buy meat, biryani and Durga Puja items only from Hindu-owned shops have appeared in Siliguri, West Bengal, ahead of the Hindu festival of Durga Puja. The campaign by Hindu Jagran Manch, an organisation linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has sparked intense political and social debate across the state.

The posters have been seen at several prominent locations across the city, including a wall at the Durga Puja grounds of Tarun Tirtha Club in Bharat Nagar. The site is near the residence of West Bengal Tourism Minister and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh.

The posters carry messages such as “Buy meat from Hindu shops” and “There is no restriction on eating biryani, but it must be bought from Hindu shops.” They also urge people to purchase Puja items from Hindu-owned businesses.

Abhishek Das, a member of Hindu Jagran Manch who is leading the campaign, said the posters were put up on their own initiative to promote Hindu unity and support local businesses run by Hindus. He described the campaign as an appeal rather than a directive.

Senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and former minister Ashok Bhattacharya strongly condemned the campaign and called for police action. Describing it as a communal campaign, he demanded the arrest of those responsible.

Former Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb called the incident deeply unfortunate for a secular state like West Bengal. Union Minister of State for Education and BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar also clarified that his party had no connection with the posters. He said decisions about where to shop were entirely a matter of personal choice.

Local residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the posters, saying such campaigns run counter to West Bengal’s long-standing traditions of cultural harmony and coexistence. Many Muslim artisans also help make idols and decorate Puja venues during Durga Puja, and residents say such divisive appeals during the festival season have raised concerns.

The posters have triggered mixed reactions and tension in Siliguri ahead of Durga Puja, one of the region’s biggest festivals. Police have yet to announce any official action regarding the removal of the posters or the filing of a case.