Posters in Siliguri, West Bengal, ahead of Durga Puja encourage residents to “eat biryani” and “buy puja articles” from Hindu shops, triggering a public row. The messaging is attributed to the Hindu Jagaran Manch, with reports saying posters were placed across the city.
Supporters say the posters are meant to promote religious community preferences rather than function as a strict directive. NDTV reports the group denies the posters are orders. Other outlets describe the campaign as potentially divisive, noting criticism from CPI(M) that it undermines Bengal’s tradition of unity and secularism. The debate also extends to how consumers choose where to spend money, with some residents arguing food preferences should not be tied to religious identity, while others defend the initiative as communal advocacy ahead of the festival.
