SUVENDU ADHIKARI’S ‘COCKROACHES’ JIBE AGAINST COMMUNISTS FUELS ROW OVER ATTACKS ON LEFT BOOKSTALLS
October 20, 2026
KOLKATA, OCTOBER 20: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has intensified his political attack on the Communists by comparing them to cockroaches, amid a controversy over attacks on Left-wing bookstalls in Kolkata that has prompted condemnation from across the political spectrum.
Adhikari’s remarks have added a sharper edge to the confrontation surrounding the reported vandalism of bookstalls associated with Left-wing organisations. The incidents have triggered debate over political intolerance, the freedom to distribute ideological literature and the treatment of political opponents in Bengal.
The chief minister’s taunt directed at the Communists has drawn attention because it came amid criticism of the attacks on the bookstalls. The controversy has placed the conduct of political leaders and supporters under scrutiny, with questions emerging over whether ideological rivalry is being allowed to undermine the space for peaceful political expression.
Left-wing bookstalls have long been part of Bengal’s political culture, offering publications on Marxism, communism, labour movements and social questions. Such stalls provide a platform for circulating political ideas and engaging readers, including students and supporters of different ideological traditions.
The reported attacks have therefore raised concerns beyond the immediate damage to property. The issue touches on the democratic principle that political literature should be challenged through debate and criticism rather than intimidation or destruction.
Adhikari’s remarks have further sharpened the divide between the BJP and Left-wing political forces in the state. The controversy also comes against the background of Bengal’s long history of ideological competition, in which the Left, the BJP and other political formations have sought to influence public opinion and electoral politics.
The episode has renewed calls for political disagreements to be handled without resorting to personal insults or attacks on the property of ideological opponents. While political leaders remain free to criticise rival parties, the protection of peaceful political expression remains an important test of democratic tolerance.
The circumstances surrounding the bookstall attacks and responsibility for any vandalism require proper examination. The wider political question, however, is whether Bengal’s competing ideological traditions can coexist without allowing hostility to turn into intimidation or destruction.
