‘Buy biryani from Hindu shops’ posters spark communal row in Siliguri ahead of Durga Puja

Posters urging people to buy biryani from Hindu shops have appeared across Siliguri in West Bengal ahead of the Durga Puja festivities, sparking a row over communal messaging. The campaign was launched by the Hindu Jagaran Manch, an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), according to reports.

The posters, which have been put up in various parts of the city, call on consumers to patronize Hindu-owned eateries, implicitly urging a boycott of Muslim-owned businesses. The move comes at a time of heightened sensitivity before Durga Puja, a major Hindu festival that draws large crowds and heightened security in West Bengal. Local authorities have not yet commented on whether the posters violate any laws, but critics say the campaign is divisive and could inflame communal tensions.

The incident has drawn condemnation from political opponents and civil society groups, who see it as an attempt to polarize communities along religious lines. The RSS has not issued an official statement on the matter. Police in Siliguri are reportedly monitoring the situation, and further reactions are expected as Durga Puja approaches. The controversy underscores ongoing debates over religious identity and economic boycotts in India.